FLORAL ANTI-SENESCENCE FOR THE ETHYLENE RECEPTOR Progress Reports - June 2000
Annual Progress Report
Floral Anti-Senescense Agents For The Ethylene Receptor
Michael C. Pirrung, Duke University
Anthony Bleecker, University of Wisconsin
I. Industry needs addressed
The benefit to the floral industry sought in this proposal is increasing the
vase life, transportability, and quality/performance of cut flowers, and will
result primarily from the third year’s research results. All sectors of the
industry will benefit from reduced perishability of their products, but
particularly, the opportunities for direct marketing of floral products through
electronic commerce will be enhanced by increased transportability at lower cost
and with higher quality.
II. Research conducted
Four compounds whose chemical structures (based on our model for receptor
mode of action) suggest should bind strongly to the receptor and antagonize
ethylene were obtained, and stock solutions were prepared in DMSO. Studies of
antagonism of ethylene binding in yeast expressing the receptor in
membrane-bound form were difficult to interpret because of interference with 14C-ethylene
binding observed in DMSO blanks.
Two novel MCP analogues bearing short carbon chains and hydroxyl groups were
designed to be more stable and less volatile than MCP. Brief synthetic
approaches to each were planned, and the initial execution of the routes has
been successful, but the syntheses are not yet complete.
III. Summary of professional or published information
Presentations on the mode of action of ethylene underlying this program were
made at two scientific meetings:
M. C. Pirrung, American Society of Plant Biologists, San Diego, July 2000,
Molecular basis of ethylene action.
M. C. Pirrung, American Chemical Society, San Diego, April 2001, Molecular basis
of action of the fruit-ripening hormone ethylene, INOR 708.
Application for Continued Funding Report
I. Why project should be continued
The project should be continued for year two without additional funding
because both labs have only recently received year one funding. Thus, we are
only now becoming able to execute the original research plan.
II. Goals and objectives for coming year
New experiments are planned in the Bleecker lab using direct introduction of
the four commercial compounds to eliminate the problem with DMSO seen in the
first binding experiment. The Pirrung lab will complete the synthesis of the two
novel MCP derivatives. They will be supplied to the Bleecker lab for radioligand
binding assays to determine their ability to compete with ethylene at the
receptor. Provided they are good competitors, as we project, they will be
studied for their ability to inhibit senescence and abscission in roses.
III. Anticipated impact
The results of this research should practically benefit the floral industry
by providing novel materials for controlling natural and transport-induced
senescence in cut flowers. These materials should dramatically reduce economic
losses due to spoilage and facilitate novel web-based marketing strategies with
“direct-from-grower” delivery.
IV. Dissemination plan
The normal channels for dissemination of scientific research results,
peer-reviewed publications and presentations at scientific meetings (American
Society of Plant Biologists), will be the first avenue used. We also have had
preliminary discussion with a company which is hoping to commercialize the
results of our work.
