Amide conjugates of the jasmonate precursor cis-OPDA regulate its homeostasis during plant stress responses.

Jasmonates (JAs) are a family of oxylipin phytohormones regulating plant development and growth and mediating 'defense versus growth' responses. The upstream JA biosynthetic precursor cis-(+)-12-oxo-phytodienoic acid (cis-OPDA) acts independently of CORONATIVE INSENSITIVE 1 (COI1)-mediated JA signaling in several stress-induced and developmental processes. However, its perception and metabolism are only partially understood. A few years ago, a low abundant isoleucine analog of the biologically active JA-Ile, OPDA-Ile, was detected years ago in wounded leaves of flowering plants, opening up the possibility that conjugation of cis-OPDA to amino acids might be a relevant mechanism for cis-OPDA regulation. Here, we extended the analysis of amino acid conjugates of cis-OPDA and identified naturally occurring OPDA-Val, OPDA-Phe, OPDA-Ala, OPDA-Glu, and OPDA-Asp accumulating in response to biotic and abiotic stress in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). The OPDA-amino acid conjugates displayed cis-OPDA-related plant responses in a JA-Ile-dependent manner. We also showed that the synthesis and hydrolysis of cis-OPDA amino acid conjugates are mediated by members of the amidosynthetase GRETCHEN HAGEN 3 (GH3) and the amidohydrolase INDOLE-3-ACETYL-LEUCINE RESISTANT 1 (ILR1)/ILR1-like (ILL) families. Thus, OPDA amino acid conjugates function in the catabolism or temporary storage of cis-OPDA in stress responses instead of acting as chemical signals per se.