Induction of the IDI1 gene in Fe-deficient barley roots: A gene encoding a putative enzyme that catalyses the methionine salvage pathway for phytosiderophore production

IDI1, a cDNA induced by Fe-deficiency, was isolated from Fe-deficient barley roots by differential hybridization screening. IDI1 transcripts in roots increased with Fe-deficiency treatment. IDI1 cDNA encoded a protein with 198 amino acids. The IDI1 protein is homologous to the bacterial protein E-2, which catalyzes the formation of a 2-keto-methylthiobutyric acid in the methionine salvage pathway. IDI1 protein is postulated to be an enzyme that participates in the pathway providing methionine for phytosiderophore production in Fe-deficient barley roots