Aureusidin synthase: A polyphenol oxidase homolog responsible for flower coloration

T. Nakayama, K. Yonekura-Sakakibara, T. Sato, S. Kikuchi, Y. Fukui, M. Fukuchi-Mizutani, T. Ueda, M. Nakao, Y. Tanaka, T. Kusumi, T. Nishino

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

177 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Aurones are plant flavonoids that provide yellow color to the flowers of some popular ornamental plants, such as snapdragon and cosmos. In this study, we have identified an enzyme responsible for the synthesis of aurone from chalcones in the yellow snapdragon flower. The enzyme (aureusidin synthase) is a 39-kilodalton, copper-containing glycoprotein catalyzing the hydroxylation and/or oxidative cyclization of the precursor chalcones, 2',4',6',4-tetrahydroxychalcone and 2',4',6',3,4-pentahydroxychalcone. The complementary DNA encoding aureusidin synthase is expressed in the petals of aurone-containing varieties. DNA sequence analysis revealed that aureusidin synthase belongs to the plant polyphenol oxidase family, providing an unequivocal example of the function of the polyphenol oxidase homolog in plants, i.e., flower coloration.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1163-1166
Number of pages4
JournalScience
Volume290
Issue number5494
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2000 Nov 10

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General

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