Using a reverse genetics approach to investigate small-molecule activity

Investigation of Auxin Biosynthesis and Action Using Auxin Biosynthesis Inhibitors

Auxin plays important roles in almost all aspects of plant growth and development. Chemical genetics is an effective approach to understand auxin action, especially in nonmodel plant species, in which auxin-related mutants are not yet available. Among auxin-related chemical tools, we present approaches to utilize auxin biosynthesis inhibitors. The inhibitors are effective not only to understand auxin biosynthesis but also to understand auxin action. The effectiveness of the inhibitors can be assessed based on in vitro or in vivo assays. The in vitro assay employs enzyme inhibition assays. The in vivo assay employs UPLC-MS/MS-based analysis of endogenous IAA and its intermediates or metabolites.

Inhibitors of plant hormone transport

Here we present an overview of what is known about endogenous plant compounds that act as inhibitors of hormonal transport processes in plants, about their identity and mechanism of action. We have also summarized commonly and less commonly used compounds of non-plant origin and synthetic drugs that show at least partial 'specificity' to transport or transporters of particular phytohormones. Our main attention is focused on the inhibitors of auxin transport. The urgent need to understand precisely the molecular mechanism of action of these inhibitors is highlighted.