Molecular characterisation of the genes and enzymes that plants use to produce DMSP

Dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) is an anti-stress compound with key roles in global nutrient and sulfur cycling, signalling and climate. DMSP functions as an osmoprotectant, cryoprotectant, protectant against oxidative stress and a grazing deterrent in bacteria and marina algae. Only some plants have been shown to produce DMSP, including the saltmarsh cordgrass Spartina and tomato. The role of DMSP in these plants is unclear and, despite
knowing the biochemical pathway for DMSP synthesis, the key genes and enzymes involved in DMSP production remain undiscovered in plants.
This project will use tomato as a model system and aims to unpick the molecular pathway for DMSP synthesis in plants and to understand why plants produce this compound. Enzymes involved in plant DMSP production have recently been identified and the enzymology of these gene products will be cloned and tested. Expression of the genes in plants grown under different conditions will be measured using qRT-PCR and mutant lines will be generated using CRISPR gene editing. The growth and physiology of these lines will be studied to determine if environmental factors affect their productivity and growth.