J. Gershenzon

The C-terminal regulatory domain of IPMS enzyme maintains leucine homeostasis by bypassing a hidden negative feedback loop in plants

This study shows that removing the C-terminal regulatory domain of IPMS in plants disrupts leucine homeostasis by enabling pathway intermediates to inhibit IPMS activity.

Phenylphenalenones and Linear Diarylheptanoid Derivatives are Biosynthesized via Parallel Routes in Musella lasiocarpa, the Chinese Dwarf Banana

The paper identifies biosynthetic genes and pathways for phenylphenalenones and linear diarylheptanoid derivatives in Musella lasiocarpa using transcriptomics and biochemical assays.

Influence of plant defense signaling and innate insect metabolic differences to the overall performance of fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) corn and rice strains on maize as a host

Beyond defense: Glucosinolate structural diversity shapes recruitment of a metabolic network of leaf-associated bacteria

The paper shows that structural variations in glucosinolates affect bacterial community recruitment in Arabidopsis thaliana, with allyl-GLS enriching Burkholderiales bacteria.

Plant geographic distribution influences chemical defenses in native and introduced Plantago lanceolata populations

This study shows that introduced Plantago lanceolata populations have higher chemical defenses than native populations without reducing biomass.

Heterologous expression of PtAAS1 reveals the metabolic potential of the common plant metabolite phenylacetaldehyde for auxin synthesis in planta

This study shows that PtAAS1 converts phenylacetaldehyde into phenylacetic acid and its amino acid conjugates, linking it to auxin synthesis and plant defense responses.

Natural rubber reduces herbivory and alters the microbiome below ground

This study shows that natural rubber reduces herbivory and alters the root microbiome in a herbivore-dependent manner in Russian dandelion.

Leaf bacterial community structure and variation in wild ruderal plants are shaped by the interaction of host species and defense chemistry with environment

The paper examines how host species, defense chemistry, and environmental factors shape leaf bacterial community variation in wild ruderal plants.

Constitutive expression of JASMONATE RESISTANT 1 elevates content of several jasmonates and primes Arabidopsis thaliana to better withstand drought

Constitutive expression of JAR1 primes Arabidopsis thaliana to better withstand drought stress by increasing JA-Ile content and altering adaptive systems.

Bark beetles locate fungal symbionts by detecting volatile fungal metabolites of host tree resin monoterpenes

This study shows bark beetles use volatile oxygenated metabolites from fungal symbionts to locate breeding sites with beneficial fungi.

A beta-glucosidase of an insect herbivore determines both toxicity and deterrence of a dandelion defense metabolite

The paper shows that an insect beta-glucosidase metabolizes a dandelion defense compound, reducing its toxicity and altering herbivore feeding preference.

A light-dependent molecular link between competition cues and defense responses in plants

This study identifies a sulfotransferase that links light signals to jasmonate signaling in plants, enabling prioritization of shade avoidance over defense.

Fungal chromatin mapping identifies BasR, as the regulatory node of bacteria-induced fungal secondary metabolism

This study identifies BasR as a regulatory node mediating bacterial-induced chromatin modifications and activation of secondary metabolism in fungi.

Gut microbiota of the pine weevil degrades conifer diterpenes and increases insect fitness

This study shows that the gut microbiota of the pine weevil degrades conifer diterpenes, enhancing insect fitness by improving diet nutritional value rather than detoxification.