Breaking new ground in the regulation of the early steps of plant isoprenoid biosynthesis. (June 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rodríguez-Concepción, Manuel; Boronat, Albert
• Is Part Of: Current opinion in plant biology. Volume 25(2015)
• Page Start: 17
• Page End: 22
• Publication Date: 2015-06
• Subjects: Plant molecular biology -- Periodicals; 571.205
• DOI: 10.1016/j.pbi.2015.04.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1369-5266

Abstract

Highlights: Plants use MVA and MEP pathways to produce the common precursors of all isoprenoids. The two pathways are physically separated but coordinated at several levels. The subcelular distribution of plant MVA pathway enzymes remains controversial. Post-translational control is central to regulate MVA and MEP pathway activities. Mechanisms for coordination with related metabolic pathways are little known. Abstract : The common metabolic precursors used for the production of all isoprenoid compounds are synthesized by two unrelated pathways in plants. The methylerythritol 4-phosphate (MEP) pathway produces these precursors in the plastid, whereas the biosynthesis of non-plastidial isoprenoids relies on the operation of the mevalonic acid (MVA) pathway. Despite the physical separation of the two pathways, some interaction exists at molecular and metabolic levels. Recent results have provided strong evidence that a high degree of control over each individual pathway takes place at the post-translational level. In particular, new mechanisms regulating the levels and activity of rate-determining enzymes have been unveiled. Current challenges include the study of the subcellular operation of the MEP and MVA pathways and their coordination with upstream and downstream pathways that supply their substrates and consume their products.