Turnip Z-ISO gene promotes zeaxanthin accumulation by modulating carotenoid metabolic flux and is involoved in negative responses to low-temperature stress.

Turnip Z-ISO gene enhances zeaxanthin accumulation by modulating carotenoid flux, but reduces cold resistance under low-temperature stress in Arabidopsis.

• Why it matters: Understanding carotenoid regulation is vital for improving plant health and nutritional value, especially under stress conditions like cold temperatures that inhibit carotenoid synthesis.
• What they did: Researchers isolated and characterized the BrrZ-ISO gene from turnip, analyzing its expression, localization, and effects through transgenic Arabidopsis lines, focusing on carotenoid metabolism and stress responses.
• The result: Overexpression of BrrZ-ISO increased zeaxanthin levels and carotenoid biosynthesis but also heightened cold sensitivity by impairing stress-related responses, revealing its dual role in carotenoid accumulation and stress regulation.