Bakkers J, Kijne J W, Spaink H P
Leiden University, Institute of Molecular Plant Sciences, The Netherlands.
EXS. 1999;87:71-83. doi: 10.1007/978-3-0348-8757-1_5.
In plant development chitin oligosaccharides have been studied intensively as part of the communication between leguminous plants and Rhizobium bacteria. The Rhizobium bacteria synthesize and secrete lipochitin oligosaccharides (LCOs) to induce the development of a root nodule, in which the bacteria will infiltrate to start a symbiotic relation with the plant. Here we will give an overview of the biosynthetic route used by the bacteria to synthesize these LCOs. Perception by the plant will also be discussed as well as early responses to the LCOs. By working with the genes from the biosynthetic route, other genes were identified that share homology with the chitin synthase genes from Rhizobium. These genes are now isolated from human, mouse, chick, Xenopus and zebrafish and can be divided into three classes. They are mainly expressed during early development at the same stage as chitin oligosaccharide synthase activity can be detected. A controversy has been risen about their biochemical activity and will be further discussed here.
在植物发育过程中，几丁质寡糖作为豆科植物与根瘤菌之间通讯的一部分受到了深入研究。根瘤菌合成并分泌脂几丁质寡糖（LCOs）以诱导根瘤的发育，细菌会渗入根瘤与植物建立共生关系。在此，我们将概述细菌用于合成这些LCOs的生物合成途径。还将讨论植物的感知以及对LCOs的早期反应。通过研究生物合成途径中的基因，发现了其他与根瘤菌几丁质合酶基因具有同源性的基因。这些基因现已从人、小鼠、鸡、非洲爪蟾和斑马鱼中分离出来，可分为三类。它们主要在早期发育阶段表达，此时可检测到几丁质寡糖合酶活性。关于它们的生化活性存在争议，本文将进一步讨论。
