In planta side-chain glucosinolate modification in Arabidopsis by introduction of dioxygenase Brassica homolog BoGSL-ALK

Aliphatic glucosinolates and their derived isothiocyanates are important secondary metabolites in crucifers. Some of these compounds have beneficial activities such as carcinogen detoxification, pesticidal and antifungal properties, but others are anti-nutritional; the differences are largely due to side chain modifications. We report the cloning and in planta functionality analysis of BoGSL-ALK, a gene whose protein product influences side-chain modifications in the glucosinolate pathway. Expression of this Brassica gene was demonstrated in Arabidopsis thaliana by assaying RNA activity and monitoring changes in the glucosinolate profiles in leaves and seeds of transformed plants. Dependent on the proposed uses of the crops under development, the ability to regulate BoGSL-ALK expression is a key step towards engineering Brassica crops with specific glucosinolate content.