Differential gene expression analysis under salinity stress in the selected turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) cultivars for curcuminoid biosynthesis.

Abstract

Background:Curcuminoids are the phenolic compounds found exclusively in turmeric. The presence of these curcuminoids is known to increase immunity and resistance against certain cancers and neurological disorders in humans along with protecting the turmeric plant cells against salinity stress. Methods:In this experiment, we studied the expression levels of MAPK1 and DCS genes with respect to curcuminoid biosynthesis under salinity stress so that the impact of individual genes can be understood using semi- quantitative PCR. Results:The expressions of the genes with respect to curcuminoid biosynthesis showed fluctuations in their band intensity values due to the curcuminoid production, which is initiated first in the leaves followed by the rhizomes. Not all the genes responsible for the curcuminoid biosynthesis show positive regulation under salt stress conditions may be due to the severity of the stress imposed on the cultivars. Conclusions:In our findings, both the genes MAPK1 and DCS genes are down-regulated for curcuminoid biosynthesis compared to the controls in both the cultivars Vallabh Sharad and New Selection 1.