Abstract
Integration of transcriptomics (DNA-microarray) and metabolomics (infusion-FTMS) enabled us to predict the co-regulated genes and metabolites in Arabidopsis under sulfur deficiency. In particular, this strategy is useful to identify the gene group involved in the same metabolic pathway. In this study, our integrated analysis was applied to identification of the side-chain-elongation enzyme (ELONG) of methionine-derived glucosinolates (MET-GSLs). The candidate genes, which are thought to catalyze the three steps in MET-GSLs ELONG reactions, were successfully predicted based on co-expression and co-accumulation patterns with known GLS biosynthesis genes and MET-GSLs. These candidate genes are homologs of the gene coding for leucine biosynthesis enzymes. In the MET-GSLs ELONG gene knock out Arabidopsis mutants, the levels of elongated MET-GSLs markedly decreased. These results suggest that these candidate genes are committed in the biosynthesis of elongated MET-GSLs.
