The detection of 3-hydroxykynurenine in a plant pathogenic fungus

Wilson, T.; Thomsen, K.; Petersen, B.; Duus, J.; Oliver, Richard

doi:10.1042/BJ20021797

Access Status

Fulltext not available

Authors

Wilson, T.

Thomsen, K.

Petersen, B.

Duus, J.

Oliver, Richard

Date

2003

Type

Journal Article

Metadata

Show full item record

Citation

WILSON TGJ, THOMSEN KK, PETERSEN BO, DUUS JO & OLIVER RP (2003) The detection of 3-hydroxykynurenine in a plant pathogenic fungus. Biochemical Journal 371 783-788

DOI

10.1042/BJ20021797

Faculty

Department of Environmental & Agriculture

School of Agriculture and Environment

Faculty of Science and Engineering

Remarks

A copy of this item may be available from Professor Richard Oliver

Email: Richard.oliver@curtin.edu.au

URI

http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/19135

Collection

Curtin Research Publications

Abstract

A redox-active compound has been purified from the barley powdery mildew fungus Blumeria ( Erysiphe ) graminis f. sp. hordei. A combination of spectrophotometry, MS and NMR has identified it as 3-hydroxykynurenine (3OHKyn). This compound, never previously detected in any fungus or pathogen, is best known for its role in vertebrate cataracts. It is found abundantly in developing and germinating spores and also in runner hyphae. Two roles for 3OHKyn are discussed: first, the presence of active oxygen species would enable 3OHKyn to cross-link the spore chemically with the plant. Secondly, it may be acting as an UV protectant and an antioxidant.