EGT is a powerful antioxidant with multiple benefits for humans, for which the term 'longevity vitamin' has therefore been proposed: it protects cells from oxidative stress and inflammation and can thus mitigate age-related diseases such as Alzheimer's, cardiovascular diseases and metabolic disorders. Through comprehensive genetic analyses, the scientists also identified the two key genes EGT1 and EGT2 for EGT synthesis in various plant groups.
Using highly sensitive mass spectrometry, the synthesis of this molecule was then further demonstrated in various plant groups. "Our data show that, contrary to previous assumptions, plants produce EGT themselves, which changes our understanding of plant antioxidant systems," explains Prof. Dr. Sabine Zachgo, Head of the Botany Group and Director of the Botanical Garden at Osnabrück University.
In the algae Klebsormidium nitens and the moss Physcomitrium patens, high light exposure and elevated temperatures led to a significant increase in EGT production. "Our observations suggest that EGT in plants serves as part of the antioxidant defence against emerging stressors - which is of great practical importance in view of increasing climate extremes," emphasizes the first author of the study, Dr. Cilian Kock. The discovery opens up new perspectives for further analyses of the function of EGT in plants as well as for the development of stress-resistant crops and plant breeding.
The results were published on April 28 in Plant Biology, the journal of the German Botanical Society (DOI:10.1111/plb.70218).
Further information for the media:
Prof. Dr. Sabine Zachgo, Osnabrück University
AG Botanik
szachgo@uni-osnabrueck.de
