(R)-Eucomic acid, a leaf-opening factor of the model organism, Lotus japonicus

In the post-genomic era, the biological activity of endogenous metabolites can be linked to genomic information via its target protein. Consequently, studies concerned with the identification of endogenous bioactive metabolites from model organisms should be undertaken. (R)-Eucomic acid (1) was identified as an endogenous metabolite concerning leaf movement in the model legume, Lotus japonicus. Absolute stereochemistry was investigated by comparison of physical characteristics of natural and synthetic enantiomers of 1. Identification of endogenous metabolites in a model legume would be particularly advantageous for further studies on the chemical biology of this biologically intriguing phenomenon.