Gibberellin A3 causes a decrease in the accumulation of mRNA for ACC oxidase and in the activity of the enzyme in azuki bean (Vigna angularis) epicotyls.

Differential screening, aimed at the isolation of cDNA clones of mRNAs whose accumulation is influenced by GA3, resulted in the isolation of a cDNA clone of an mRNA whose level was decreased by GA3 in segments of epicotyls of Vigna angularis. The putative protein encoded by this cDNA resembled the 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate oxidases (ACC oxidases) identified in other plant species (about 80% homology at the amino acid level). Thus, the corresponding gene was designated AB-ACO1 (azuki bean ACC oxidase). GA3 also decreased the activity of ACC oxidase in azuki bean epicotyls, but it did not decrease the rate of ethylene evolution. In fact, GA3 increased the rate of ethylene evolution and the level of ACC. Thus, GA3 seemed to increase the production of ethylene by promoting the synthesis of ACC.