Isoflavone reductase-like protein;

Isoflavone reductases (IFR) have been shown to be effective in various diseases. Legumes (pea, chickpea, soya) were identified and their cDNA cloned. These are mostly monomeric, NADPH-dependent reductases. Isoflavone reductases are involved in specific metabolic functions. Further isoflavone reductase-like proteins, "IFR-like proteins", with significant sequence homologies to the IFRs of legumes were identified. Their functions are not known until today.

Isoflavones themselves play a major role in interactions between plants and the environment (bacteria, fungi, molluscs and herbivorous insects), especially in the legume family. They are components of the unspecific resistance and defence mechanisms against harmful organisms. Furthermore, they enable the symbiosis of plant and rhizobial bacteria. They act as signal substances for nitrogen fixation by nodule bacteria. Isoflavones act as "chemoattractants" for these bacteria and induce the nod gene expression for the nitrogenous root nodules of these plants.

1. Wang X et al (2006) Crystal structure of isoflavone reductase from alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). J Mol Biol 358:1341-1352.
2. Dakora FD et al. (2996) Various functions of isoflavonoids in legumes transcend anti-microbial definitions of phytoalexins. Physiol Mol Plant Pathol 49:1-20.