Aims:
This study investigates the impact of IbACP (Ipomoea batatas anti-cancer peptide)
on defense-related gene expression in tomato leaves, focusing on its role in plant defense
mechanisms.
Background:
IbACP was isolated from sweet potato leaves, and it was identified as a
peptide capable of inducing an alkalinization response in tomato suspension culture media. Additionally,
IbACP was found to regulate the proliferation of human pancreatic adenocarcinoma
cells.
Objective:
Elucidate IbACP's molecular influence on defense-related gene expression in tomato
leaves using next-generation sequencing analysis.
method:
To assess the impact of IbACP on defense-related gene expression, transcriptome data were analyzed, encompassing various functional categories such as photosynthesis, metabolic processes, and plant defense. Semi-quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis was employed to verify transcription levels of defense-related genes in tomato leaves treated with IbACP.
Method:
To assess the impact of IbACP on defense-related gene expression, transcriptome data
were analyzed, encompassing various functional categories such as photosynthesis, metabolic processes,
and plant defense. Semi-quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis
was employed to verify transcription levels of defense-related genes in tomato leaves treated
with IbACP for durations ranging from 0 h (control) to 24 h.
Results:
IbACP induced jasmonic acid-related genes (LoxD and AOS) at 2 h, with a significant
up-regulation of salicylic acid-dependent gene NPR1 at 24 h. This suggested a temporal antagonistic
effect between jasmonic acid and salicylic acid during the early hours of IbACP treatment.
Downstream ethylene-responsive regulator genes (ACO1, ETR4, and ERF1) were consistently
down-regulated by IbACP at all times. Additionally, IbACP significantly up-regulated the gene expressions
of suberization-associated anionic peroxidases (TMP1 and TAP2) at all time points, indicating
enhanced suberization of the plant cell wall to prevent pathogen invasion.
Conclusion:
IbACP enhances the synthesis of defense hormones and up-regulates downstream defense
genes, improving the plant's resistance to biotic stresses.