You are here : Home > LPCV > A molecular probe for controlling the metabolism of a plant

press release | highlight / actuality

A molecular probe for controlling the metabolism of a plant


In collaboration [1], we have developed a molecular probe, the Galvestin-1, able of controlling in an ultra-fine manner the activity of an enzyme in the plant Arabidopsis thaliana. This enzyme, MGD1, is responsible for the synthesis of galactolipids, the main components of photosynthetic membranes. With this innovative method of "chemical genetics", we were able to identify the role of galactolipids in the development of the plant.

Published on 25 September 2011
[1] Collaborations between CEA, CNRS, Inra researchers and Joseph Fourier de Grenoble and Montpellier 2 Universities. 
CEA: Institut de biologie et de technologies de Saclay (iBiTec-S/Saclay) et Institut de recherche en technologies et sciences du vivant (iRTSV/Grenoble).

This result is published online in the journal Nature Chemical Biology.

Press release available in French.


© LPCV/iRTSV/DSV/CEA
Some effects of Galvestin-1 at the levels of the target enzyme (MGDG synthase, MGD), subcellular development (genesis of chloroplasts), leaf development or pollen tube growth.

Top page