METHODS FOR THE IDENTIFICATION OF INHIBITORS OF 4-COUMARATE-COA LIGASE EXPRESSION OR ACTIVITY IN PLANTS

摘要

The present inventors have discovered that 4-coumarate-CoA ligase (4CL) is essential for plant growth. Specifically, the inhibition of 4CL gene expression in plant seedlings results in growth reduction and growth arrest. Thus, 4CL can be used as a target for the identification of herbicides. Accordingly, the present invention provides methods for the identification of compounds that inhibit 4CL expression or activity, comprising: contacting a compound with a 4CL and detecting the presence and/or absence of binding between said compound and said a 4CL, or detecting a decrease in 4CL expression or activity. The methods of the invention are useful for the identification of herbicides.