GSK-3 mediates NO-cGMP-induced isoflavone production in soybean sprouts

- Nitric oxide activates glycogen synthase kinase-3.
- Guanosine 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate mediates glycogen synthase kinase-3 activation.
- Glycogen synthase kinase-3 mediates isoflavone production.
- Glycogen synthase kinase-3 activates chalcone synthase and isoflavone synthase.

The role of glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) in the nitric oxide-guanosine 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate (NO-cGMP)-induced isoflavone production in soybean sprouts was examined. Inhibitors and donors of NO, cGMP, and GSK-3 inhibitor were added to UV-B irradiated sprouts. Results showed that NO, with cGMP, induced the expression of GSK-3 under UV-B radiation. Protein kinase G (PKG) was shown to be involved in NO-cGMP-induced GSK-3 activation. GSK-3 elevated activity and expression levels of chalcone synthase (CHS) and isoflavone synthase (IFS), and increased isoflavone accumulation.

The NO-cGMP/PKG pathway activated GSK-3 under UV-B radiation. GSK-3 up regulated the activity and expression levels of CHS and IFS, and increased isoflavone production.161