Heterologous expression of NodZ and NoIL proteins in Rhizobium leguminosarum by. viciae led to the production of acetyl fucosylated lipo-chitin oligosaccharides (LCOs), indicating that the NoIL protein obtained from Mesorhizobium loti functions as an acetyl transferase. We show that the NoIL-dependent acetylation is specific for the fucosyl penta-N-acetylglucosamine species.
In addition, the NoIL protein caused elevated production of LCOs, Efficient nodulation of Lotus japonicus by the NodZ/NoIL-producing strain was demonstrated. Nodulation efficiency was further improved by the addition of the ethylene inhibitor L-alpha-(2-aminoethoxyvinyl) glycine (AVG).