Nδ-acetylornithine is a new defensive non protein amino acid induced by methyl jasmonate inArabidopsis thaliana

During my internship in the Jander lab at the Boyce Thompson Institute for Plant Research (BTI), I investigated the role of Nδ-acetylornithine, a non-protein amino acid that is induced by methyl jasmonate and is probably involved in the defense against aphids. In order to further determine the function of this compound in Arabidopsis thaliana, I used an aphid artificial diet approach to determine its direct impact on Myzus persicae reproduction. I also learned how to use the HPLC to analyze amino-acid profiles linked to the biosynthesis of Nδ-acetylornithine. Furthermore, I worked with Pseudomonas syringae and a nata1 A. thaliana mutant, which does not produced Nδ-acetylornithine, to see if this compound is linked to the polyamine biosynthetic pathway.

My Experience

As a French student, this research experience was a very good opportunity for me. It enabled me to discover how research works in a foreign country, in this very effervescent and active campus. I was very well welcomed by my lab team and I really enjoyed learning how to become a future scientist with my PI and my mentor.

The results from my summer project are included in this publication:

Adio, A.M., Casteel, C.L., De Vos, M., Kim, J.H., Joshi, V., Li, B., Juery, C., Daron, J., Kliebenstein, D.J. and Jander, G. 2011. Biosynthesis and defensive function of N-delta-acetylornithine, a jasmonate-induced Arabidopsis metabolite. Plant Cell 23: 3303-3318