Jasmonic Acid (JA) Acts as a Signal Molecule in LaCl3-Induced Baicalin Synthesis in Scutellaria baicalensis Seedlings

Abstract

Rare earth elements (REEs) have been widely used to increase accumulation of biomass and secondary metabolites in medicinal plants in China. However, very few studies have investigated how REEs mediate secondary metabolism synthesis in medicinal plants. Lanthanum (La), an important REE, is known to improve the accumulation of secondary metabolites in medicinal plants and is widely distributed in China. However, few studies have evaluated the signal transduction leading to La-induced secondary metabolism in medicinal plants. In this study, LaCl3 treatment-induced multiple responses in Scutellaria baicalensis seedlings, including the rapid generation of jasmonic acid (JA), sequentially followed by the enhancement of baicalin production. Direct application of JA also promoted the synthesis of baicalin in the absence of LaCl3. LaCl3-induced baicalin synthesis was blocked by two different JA synthesis inhibitors. Our results showed that JA acts as a signal component within the signaling system leading to La-induced baicalin synthesis in S. baicalensis seedlings.

Effects of lanthanum on the ascorbate and glutathione metabolism of Vigna radiata seedlings under salt stress

“…Many studies show that the effects of La on plants depend on its concentration. In plants, it has been documented that a low concentration of La can promote root organogenesis (Guo et al 2012), seed germination, and growth (Hong et al 2003), mediates secondary metabolism (Zhou et al 2012), regulates nitrogen assimilation (Huang et al 2013), and replaces calcium in the process of stomatal closure (Xue and Yang 2005). However, the excess of La has negative effects on plants by inhibiting plant growth, destroying cell structure, and disturbing metabolism (Ruíz-Herrera et al 2012, Liang and.…”

Effects of lanthanum on the antioxidant capacity of chloroplasts and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters of maize seedlings under chromium stress

“…Lanthanum (La) is an important rare earth element, which can promote root organogenesis (Guo et al 2012), mediate secondary metabolism synthesis (Zhou et al 2012), and promote nitrogen metabolism (Huang et al 2013), etc. Increasing evidence has proven that La could relieve peroxidative damage in plants under many stresses, including salt and water stresses (Zhang et al 2006, Xu et al 2007, Liu et al 2016.…”

Lanthanum chloride enhances the photosynthetic characteristics and increases konjac glucomannan contents in Amorphophallus sinensis Belval

“…However, higher doses of La may unbalance cell homeostasis by causing damage in the external membrane of the chloroplast, decreasing the concentrations of mineral nutrients in this organelle, especially those of P, Mg, K, Ca, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, and Mo, and disrupting Chl biosynthesis, which lead to a drastic reduction in photosynthesis, and cause lower growth or even negative impacts on plant performance (Hu et al 2016b). Additionally, REEs promoted the biosynthesis of the secondary metabolites, such as flavonoids, isoflavones, sesquiterpenoids, and benzyl ethanol glycosides in medicinal plant cells (Yuan et al 2002, Ouyang et al 2003, Huang 2006, Zhou et al 2010, Zhou et al 2012, Kovaříková et al 2019. Yuan et al (1993) found that 20 mg[La(NO3)3] kg -1 promoted the accumulation of alkaloids of Catharanthus roseus in cell cultures.…”