Cloning and expression of the isoflavone synthase gene (IFS-Tp) from Trifolium pratense

Isoflavones are secondary metabolites found mainly in leguminous plants. Their synthesis from flavanones is catalyzed by isoflavone synthase (IFS). We have cloned a isoflavone synthase gene (IFS-Tp) from Trifolium pratense that encodes a predicted 525 amino acids protein, molecular weight 59 kDa, with strong homology to IFS's from other legumes. IFS-Tp was expressed in all the tissues examined, and addition of glutathione and UV irradiation enhanced its expression. Microsomes from yeast transformed with IFS-Tp were able to convert naringenin to genistein, indicating that IFS-Tp has isoflavone synthase activity.