Jasmonic acid (JA) and 12-oxophytodienoic acid (OPDA) are signal
molecules involved in the stress and defense responses in plants. A
full-length cDNA clon of OPR3 encoding 12- oxophytodienoate reductase
3, key enzyme involved in the biosynthesis of JA from linolenic acid
was obtained from a Solanum tuberosum cDNA library. Sequence analysis
showed that OPR3 encoded a polypeptide of 400 amino acids with a
predicted molecular mass of 43.9 kDa and pI of 7.72. The deduced amino
acid sequence of OPR3 showed high similarities to other
12-oxophytodienoate reductases. A peroxisomal signal sequence indicates
OPR3 probable location in peroxisome. Levels of OPR3 mRNA accumulated
in potato leaves reaching maximum levels within 1 hr of mechanical
wounding. Elevated levels of JA were correlated to expression of the
OPR3 gene