Mutation of MYB36 affects isoflavonoid metabolism, growth, and stress responses in Lotus japonicus.

Isoflavonoids are mostly produced by legumes although little is known about why and how legumes are able to regulate the biosynthesis of these particular compounds. Understanding the role of potential regulatory genes of the isoflavonoid biosynthetic pathway constitutes an important topic of research. The LORE1 mutation of the gene encoding the transcription factor MYB36 allowed the identification of this gene as a regulator of isoflavonoid biosynthesis in Lotus japonicus plants.

Induction of isoflavonoid biosynthesis in Lotus japonicus after UV-B irradiation.

Enhanced ultraviolet radiation (UV) is an important environmental factor that may cause reductions in the growth and productivity of plants. In the present work we studied the response to UV-B radiation in leaves of the model legume Lotus japonicus. After UV-B treatment, induction of phenyalanine-ammonia lyase gene expression and enzyme activity was detected.