Overcoming Glucosinolate-Myrosinase-Isothiocyanate Defense System by Plant Pathogenic Fungi

Phyllotreta striolata flea beetles use host plant defense compounds to create their own glucosinolate-myrosinase system.

The ability of a specialized herbivore to overcome the chemical defense of a particular plant taxon not only makes it accessible as a food source but may also provide metabolites to be exploited for communication or chemical defense. Phyllotreta flea beetles are adapted to crucifer plants (Brassicales) that are defended by the glucosinolate-myrosinase system, the so-called "mustard-oil bomb." T...

Myrosinase-dependent and –independent formation and control of isothiocyanate products of glucosinolate hydrolysis

Brassicales contain a myrosinase enzyme that hydrolyzes glucosinolates to form toxic isothiocyanates (ITC), as a defense against bacteria, fungi, insects and herbivores including man. Low levels of ITC trigger a host defense system in mammals that protects them against chronic diseases. Because humans typically cook their brassica vegetables, destroying myrosinase, there is a great interest in ...

Roles of glucosinolate-myrosinase system in stomatal closure in Arabidopsis

The myrosinase-glucosinolate system, its organisation and biochemistry

The myrosinase-glucosinolate system is involved in a range of biological activities affecting herbivorous insects, plants and fungi. The system characteristic of the order Capparales includes sulphur-containing substrates, the degradativc enzymes myrosinases, and cofactors. The enzyme-catalyzed hydrolysis of glucosinolates initially involves cleavage of the thioglucoside linkage, yielding D-glu...

Arabidopsis myrosinases link the glucosinolate-myrosinase system and the cuticle

Both physical barriers and reactive phytochemicals represent two important components of a plant's defence system against environmental stress. However, these two defence systems have generally been studied independently. Here, we have taken an exclusive opportunity to investigate the connection between a chemical-based plant defence system, represented by the glucosinolate-myrosinase system, a...