The Hot and the Classic TRIGONELLINE: A DIVERSE REGULATOR IN PLANTS

Trigonelline (N-methyl nicotinamide) first gained the attention of plant biologists because it proved to be very effective in inducing G2 arrest in the root apices of many plant species. Although trigonelline, a metabolite of nicotinamide, was put forth as a possible plant hormone over 20 years ago (Evans and Tramontano, 1981), this idea was to gain little acceptance in the ensuing years. Meanwhile, however, evidence from diverse quarters has slowly been accumulating that indicates that the effects of trigonelline are not just limited to cell cycle regulation: Trigonelline appears to be a regulator of sundry other functions in plants. This month’s The Hot and the Classic summarizes the state of knowledge concerning the regulatory functions of trigonelline in plants.