Disregarded plant molecule actually a treasure
Salk researchers discover that a plant molecule once regarded as a biological dead end now offers new leads into the development of hardier plants.
Research by Joseph Noel, first author Jing-Ke Wen and colleagues published August 2016 in the journal Cell reveals an unexpected role for a small, often overlooked molecule called phaseic acid, which has historically been cast as an inactive byproduct in plants. The new findings suggest that phaseic acid and its receptors probably co- evolved to become crucial for drought resistance and other survival traits and may inform the development of new, hardier crops that can weather natural disasters wrought by climate change.
The team used a commonly studied plant called Arabidopsis thaliana and obtained varieties that lacked the enzyme that processes phaseic acid, in effect accumulating large amounts of phaseic acid. To the group’s surprise, the plants showed changes to the timing of seed germination and they survived without water for a longer period. This suggests that phaseic acid, rather than an inactive degradation product, could be a molecule that has its own capacity to cause changes like other plant hormones.
Read News ReleaseFeatured Stories
- Interaction + Infrastructure = Innovations in Healthy AgingSalk formula recalculates aging research, shifting focus to overall resilience and health span.
- Professor Jan Karlseder named Salk’s Chief Science OfficerOn February 1, Jan Karlseder started as Salk’s new senior vice president and chief science officer (CSO).
- Salk mourns the loss of Nobel Laureate Roger GuilleminThe Institute remembers the “father of neuroendocrinology” for his many contributions to science and friendship to all.
- Daniel Hollern–Turning a cancer diagnosis into a career in basic researchAssistant Professor Daniel Hollern pivoted his career trajectory after a family member’s life-changing diagnosis pushed his already-curious mind off a cliff of questions—starting with, “What can I do to help him?”
- Jerry Sheehan–Collaborating shoulder to shoulder with scientistsWhen you think about a person who heads an information technology department, you might not envision them working shoulder to shoulder with research scientists. But that’s exactly the approach Jerry Sheehan is taking as Salk’s new chief information officer (CIO).
- Laura Mainz–Taking control after a cancer diagnosisLaura Mainz grew up in a tiny village in midwestern Germany, with just as many cows as people. But the sweeping landscape speckled with farms never swayed her toward plant biology—instead, her interest in the human body grew.
- Black Association affinity group cultivates welcoming environmentThe Black Association at Salk (BAS) was one of the first affinity groups formed at Salk in 2020. Since that time, it has established itself as a welcoming space and go-to for resources for all Black Salk community members.