LiP-MS reveals a feedback loop of tomato UDP-glucosyltransferases managing bioactive jasmonate homeostasis.

LiP-MS uncovers a feedback loop where tomato UDP-glucosyltransferases regulate bioactive jasmonate homeostasis by glucosylating jasmonic acid into JA-glucosyl esters.

• Why it matters: Understanding JA catabolism is crucial because it influences plant growth, defense, and development, yet this pathway remains poorly characterized. Clarifying enzyme roles could lead to better crop management and stress responses.
• What they did: The study employed limited proteolysis-coupled mass spectrometry (LiP-MS) to identify JA-binding proteins, followed by functional, biochemical, and structural analyses of tomato UDP-glycosyltransferases, focusing on their ability to modify JA.
• The result: Two tomato UGTs were shown to glucosylate JA, revealing a previously missing step in JA metabolism that helps maintain hormone balance and offers new targets for agricultural improvement.