A little-known molecule, long studied in humans, has just revealed a powerful secret in plants—and it could change the future of food.
Key Points at a Glance
- Itaconate, a molecule known for immune function in animals, is also made by plants
- Watering corn with itaconate led to visibly taller seedlings
- The molecule plays roles in metabolism and oxygen-related stress responses in plants
- Findings could inspire safe, nature-based methods to boost global crop yields
For decades, scientists have studied itaconate in animals—where it plays a vital role in fighting infections and controlling inflammation. But now, a groundbreaking study from UC San Diego has revealed that this powerful metabolite is also at work in plants, with the surprising ability to boost growth and resilience.
In their newly published research in Science Advances, a multinational team of scientists confirmed for the first time that plants not only produce itaconate naturally, but also benefit from it in striking ways. When researchers watered maize seedlings with itaconate, the plants grew taller—a clear sign that this molecule could be harnessed to support the world’s food supply.
“We found that itaconate is made in plants, particularly in growing cells,” said lead researcher Jazz Dickinson from UC San Diego’s School of Biological Sciences. “The fact that it promotes growth opens the door to an exciting new direction in plant development research.”
By combining advanced chemical imaging and mass spectrometry, the team identified the presence and pathways of itaconate in plants like maize and Arabidopsis. In collaboration with animal biochemists, they mapped how itaconate interacts with plant-specific proteins and uncovered roles in essential processes—such as primary metabolism and oxygen-related stress adaptation.
The discovery matters beyond the lab. In an era where synthetic growth boosters and fertilizers often come with ecological costs, itaconate presents a sustainable, bio-inspired alternative. Rather than introducing foreign chemicals into ecosystems, enhancing crops using molecules already produced by the plants themselves could minimize risks and maximize benefits.
It’s also a rare scientific bridge. Since both plants and humans produce and utilize itaconate, future research might uncover hidden connections between plant biology and human health. Could insights from cornfields help refine treatments for inflammation in people? Could better understanding of human metabolism improve crop engineering? The possibilities are just beginning.
Backed by organizations like the National Science Foundation, NIH, and the Moore Foundation, the study is already turning heads. UC San Diego has filed a provisional patent on the use of itaconate to promote plant growth, a move signaling both the scientific and commercial potential of the discovery.
As the global population climbs and agricultural systems face mounting pressure, breakthroughs like this one offer hope. Not through high-tech machinery or synthetic shortcuts—but through a deeper understanding of nature’s own molecular toolkit.
Source: UC San Diego
