Boosting of Antioxidants and Alkaloids in Catharanthus roseus Suspension Cultures Using Silver Nanoparticles with Expression of CrMPK3 and STR Genes

Abstract

Global agricultural systems are under unprecedented pressures due to climate change. Advanced nano-engineering can help increase crop yields while ensuring sustainability. Nanotechnology improves agricultural productivity by boosting input efficiency and reducing waste. Alkaloids as one of the numerous secondary metabolites that serve variety of cellular functions essential for physiological processes. This study tests the competence of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in boosting alkaloids accumulation in Catharanthus roseus suspension cultures in relation to the expression of C. roseus Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase 3 (CrMPK3) and Strictosidine Synthase (STR) genes. Five concentrations (5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 mg·L−1) of AgNPs were utilized in addition to deionized water as control. Results reflected binary positive correlations among AgNPs concentration, oxidative stress indicated with increase in hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde contents, activities of ascorbate peroxidase and superoxide dismutase, expression of the regulatory gene CrMPK3 and the alkaloid biosynthetic gene STR as well as alkaloids accumulation. These correlations add to the growing evidence that AgNPs can trigger the accumulation of alkaloids in plant cells through a signaling pathway that involves hydrogen peroxide and MAPKs, leading to up-regulation of the biosynthetic genes, including STR gene.

Effect of Salt Stress and Foliar Application of Salicylic Acid on Morphological, Biochemical, Anatomical, and Productivity Characteristics of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) Plants

“…At a later stage of development, plants exposed to salinity experience increased oxidative stress because of the production of supernumerary amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS). This results in oxidative injuries to various cellular macromolecules, such as lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids, which eventually deactivate numerous important cellular processes in plants [ 1 , 9 ]. All the major processes, such as photosynthesis, and the energy of plants are also affected by salinity stress.…”

Salt Priming as a Smart Approach to Mitigate Salt Stress in Faba Bean (Vicia faba L.)

“…In addition, Frukh et al [45] observed that the accumulation of H 2 O 2 generated more MDA in rice plants under salinity stress. The relationship of an increase in H 2 O 2 content and MDA accumulation was documented by several research groups [46][47][48].…”

Nanotechnology in Plant Metabolite Improvement and in Animal Welfare

“…This condition leads to the expression of MAPK genes that affects transcriptional reprogramming of secondary metabolites-related genes. Interestingly, a recent study conducted by Fouad et al [49] has reported that AgNPs triggered the accumulation of alkaloids in C. roseus via ROS-mediated MAPK cascade through the up-regulation of the MAK3 gene. It leads finally to the overexpression of alkaloid biosynthetic genes.…”

“…Callus which is derived from plant organs cultured in vitro can be defined as unorganized or undifferentiated cell mass that can serve as a potential plant biotechnological platform to manufacture significant bioactive compounds of pharmaceutical interests [10]. In addition, callus culture coupled with nano-elicitation has been reported as a promising strategy for enhancing alkaloid [49], flavonoid, and phenolic compounds [50]. For instance, AgNPs have been reported to boost the concentration of different flavonoids including flavonols, hydroxybenzoic and hydroxycinnamic acids in the CSC of bitter gourd [21].…”