Galvestine-1 is a potent small-molecule inhibitor of monogalactosyldiacylglycerol (MGDG) synthase that competitively binds to the diacylglycerol substrate site with an IC50 of 10 μM. This bioactive compound demonstrates excellent plant mobility, being efficiently absorbed through roots and systemically distributed via xylem transport to mesophyll tissues. In Arabidopsis thaliana, Galvestine-1 treatment leads to significant reduction of MGDG content and disrupts chloroplast development, likely through impairment of thylakoid membrane biogenesis. These unique properties establish Galvestine-1 as a valuable chemical tool for investigating MGDG-dependent processes and studying lipid homeostasis mechanisms in plants.
