Environmental and Genetic Factors Involved in Plant Protection-Associated Secondary Metabolite Biosynthesis Pathways

Abstract

Plant specialized metabolites (PSMs) play essential roles in the adaptation to harsh environments and function in plant defense responses. PSMs act as key components of defense-related signaling pathways and trigger the extensive expression of defense-related genes. In addition, PSMs serve as antioxidants, participating in the scavenging of rapidly rising reactive oxygen species, and as chelators, participating in the chelation of toxins under stress conditions. PSMs include nitrogen-containing chemical compounds, terpenoids/isoprenoids, and phenolics. Each category of secondary metabolites has a specific biosynthetic pathway, including precursors, intermediates, and end products. The basic biosynthetic pathways of representative PSMs are summarized, providing potential target enzymes of stress-mediated regulation and responses. Multiple metabolic pathways share the same origin, and the common enzymes are frequently to be the targets of metabolic regulation. Most biosynthetic pathways are controlled by different environmental and genetic factors. Here, we summarized the effects of environmental factors, including abiotic and biotic stresses, on PSM biosynthesis in various plants. We also discuss the positive and negative transcription factors involved in various PSM biosynthetic pathways. The potential target genes of the stress-related transcription factors were also summarized. We further found that the downstream targets of these Transcription factors (TFs) are frequently enriched in the synthesis pathway of precursors, suggesting an effective role of precursors in enhancing of terminal products. The present review provides valuable insights regarding screening targets and regulators involved in PSM-mediated plant protection in non-model plants.

Integrated mass spectrometry imaging and single‐cell transcriptome atlas strategies provide novel insights into taxoid biosynthesis and transport in Taxus mairei stems

“…The taxol biosynthesis pathway is controlled by several environmental and genetic factors (Feng et al., 2023; Yu et al., 2020; Yu et al., 2022; Zhan et al., 2022). Recent studies on taxol biosynthesis regulators mainly focused on stimulus‐responsive TFs (Cao et al., 2022; Chen, Zhang, et al., 2021; Zhang et al., 2015).…”

Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of TCP family genes in Catharanthus roseus

“…TFs regulated gene expression at the transcriptional level by binding to different cis -acting elements ( Yu et al., 2022a ; Zhan et al., 2022 ; Feng et al., 2023 ). A series of regulatory elements have been identified in the promoter region of TCP genes, including growth-related elements, stress-responsive elements, and hormone signaling-related elements ( Feng et al., 2018 ).…”

Ingenious characterization and assessment of lentil germplasm collection to aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum stress unveils distinct responses

“…IAA auxin is considered a rapid and specific signal that regulates a subset of systemic, JA-dependent secondary metabolites in herbivore-attacked plants. JA-responsive transcription factors were implicated in the production of phenolic acids and alkaloids in various plant species ( Zhan et al, 2022 and references therein). Aphid-infestation induced the biosynthesis and accumulation of alkaloids in lentil accessions.…”

“…Phenolics engulf compounds containing at least one aromatic ring and one hydroxyl moiety, such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, tannins, etc. ( Zhan et al., 2022 ). Several studies showed that plant secondary compounds have detrimental effects on pea aphids ( Züst & Agrawal, 2016 ).…”