Effect of Methyl Jasmonate on Thymol, Carvacrol, Phytochemical Accumulation, and Expression of Key Genes Involved in Thymol/Carvacrol Biosynthetic Pathway in Some Iranian Thyme Species

Thyme species are a good source of thymol and carvacrol, which play a key role in controlling diseases. For the first time, the expression patterns of γ-terpinene synthase (TPS2), CYP71D178, and CYP71D180 genes and the amount of phenolics compounds were evaluated in T. migricus and T. daenensis after different methyl jasmonate (MeJA) treatments. The highest thymol and carvacrol contents were observed in T. migricus (86.27%) and T. daenensis (17.87%) at MeJA 100 µM, which was consistent with the expression patterns of the three investigated genes. All species treated showed high total phenolic and flavonoid content compared to control plants for which the highest amounts were observed in T. vulgaris treated with 100 µM and 10 µM MeJA. Furthermore, in the 100 µM MeJA treatment, the relative expression of TPS2 and CYP71D178 in T. migricus increased 7.47 and 9.86-fold compared with the control, respectively. The highest level of CYP71D180 transcripts (5.15-fold) was also observed for T. daenensis treated. This finding highlights the notion that thymol was known as the dominant component of the essential oil rather than carvacrol in diffident thyme species. This implies that MeJA at different concentrations influenced metabolic pathways and induced expression changes, resulting in a rise in essential oil levels

Potential of Wild Relatives of Wheat: Ideal Genetic Resources for Future Breeding Programs

Among cereal crops, wheat has been identified as a major source for human food consumption. Wheat breeders require access to new genetic diversity resources to satisfy the demands of a growing human population for more food with a high quality that can be produced in variable environmental conditions. The close relatives of domesticated wheats represent an ideal gene pool for the use of breeders. The genera Aegilops and Triticum are known as the main gene pool of domesticated wheat, including numerous species with different and interesting genomic constitutions. According to the literature, each wild relative harbors useful alleles which can induce resistance to various environmental stresses. Furthermore, progress in genetic and biotechnology sciences has provided accurate information regarding the phylogenetic relationships among species, which consequently opened avenues to reconsider the potential of each wild relative and to provide a context for how we can employ them in future breeding programs. In the present review, we have sought to represent the level of genetic diversity among the wild relatives of wheat, as well as the breeding potential of each wild species that can be used in wheat-breeding programs

Change in Secondary Metabolites and Expression Pattern of Key Rosmarinic Acid Related Genes in Iranian Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis L.) Ecotypes Using Methyl Jasmonate Treatments

The medicinal herb, lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.), which is high in rosmarinic acid (RA), has well-known therapeutic value. The goals of this study were to investigate the effects of methyl jasmonate (MeJA) on RA content, total phenolic content (TPC), and total flavonoid content (TFC), as well as changes in expression of their biosynthesis-related key genes (MoPAL, Mo4CL, and MoRAS) in Iranian lemon balm ecotypes, as first reported. Our results revealed that MeJA doses significantly increase the RA content, TPC, and TFC in both ecotypes compared with the control samples. Additionally, the higher expression levels of MoPAL, Mo4CL, and MoRAS following treatment were linked to RA accumulation in all treatments for both Iranian lemon balm ecotypes. After 24 h of exposure to 150 mu M MeJA concentration, HPLC analysis showed that MeJA significantly increased RA content in Esfahan and Ilam ecotypes, which was about 4.18- and 7.43-fold higher than untreated plants. Our findings suggested that MeJA has a considerable influence on RA, TPC, and TFC accumulation in MeJA-treated Iranian M. officinalis, which might be the result of gene activation from the phenylpropanoid pathway. As a result of our findings, we now have a better understanding of the molecular processes behind RA production in lemon balm plants.Peer reviewe

Change in Secondary Metabolites and Expression Pattern of Key Rosmarinic Acid Related Genes in Iranian Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis L.) Ecotypes Using Methyl Jasmonate Treatments

The medicinal herb, lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.), which is high in rosmarinic acid (RA), has well-known therapeutic value. The goals of this study were to investigate the effects of methyl jasmonate (MeJA) on RA content, total phenolic content (TPC), and total flavonoid content (TFC), as well as changes in expression of their biosynthesis-related key genes (MoPAL, Mo4CL, and MoRAS) in Iranian lemon balm ecotypes, as first reported. Our results revealed that MeJA doses significantly increase the RA content, TPC, and TFC in both ecotypes compared with the control samples. Additionally, the higher expression levels of MoPAL, Mo4CL, and MoRAS following treatment were linked to RA accumulation in all treatments for both Iranian lemon balm ecotypes. After 24 h of exposure to 150 µM MeJA concentration, HPLC analysis showed that MeJA significantly increased RA content in Esfahan and Ilam ecotypes, which was about 4.18- and 7.43-fold higher than untreated plants. Our findings suggested that MeJA has a considerable influence on RA, TPC, and TFC accumulation in MeJA-treated Iranian M. officinalis, which might be the result of gene activation from the phenylpropanoid pathway. As a result of our findings, we now have a better understanding of the molecular processes behind RA production in lemon balm plants

Change in Secondary Metabolites and Expression Pattern of Key Rosmarinic Acid Related Genes in Iranian Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis L.) Ecotypes Using Methyl Jasmonate Treatments

The medicinal herb, lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.), which is high in rosmarinic acid (RA), has well-known therapeutic value. The goals of this study were to investigate the effects of methyl jasmonate (MeJA) on RA content, total phenolic content (TPC), and total flavonoid content (TFC), as well as changes in expression of their biosynthesis-related key genes (MoPAL, Mo4CL, and MoRAS) in Iranian lemon balm ecotypes, as first reported. Our results revealed that MeJA doses significantly increase the RA content, TPC, and TFC in both ecotypes compared with the control samples. Additionally, the higher expression levels of MoPAL, Mo4CL, and MoRAS following treatment were linked to RA accumulation in all treatments for both Iranian lemon balm ecotypes. After 24 h of exposure to 150 µM MeJA concentration, HPLC analysis showed that MeJA significantly increased RA content in Esfahan and Ilam ecotypes, which was about 4.18- and 7.43-fold higher than untreated plants. Our findings suggested that MeJA has a considerable influence on RA, TPC, and TFC accumulation in MeJA-treated Iranian M. officinalis, which might be the result of gene activation from the phenylpropanoid pathway. As a result of our findings, we now have a better understanding of the molecular processes behind RA production in lemon balm plants

Overview of Identified Genomic Regions Associated with Various Agronomic and Physiological Traits in Barley under Abiotic Stresses

Climate change has caused breeders to focus on varieties that are able to grow under unfavorable conditions, such as drought, high and low temperatures, salinity, and other stressors. In recent decades, progress in biotechnology and its related tools has provided opportunities to dissect and decipher the genetic basis of tolerance to various stress conditions. One such approach is the identification of genomic regions that are linked with specific or multiple characteristics. Cereal crops have a key role in supplying the energy required for human and animal populations. However, crop products are dramatically affected by various environmental stresses. Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is one of the oldest domesticated crops that is cultivated globally. Research has shown that, compared with other cereals, barley is well adapted to various harsh environmental conditions. There is ample literature regarding these responses to abiotic stressors, as well as the genomic regions associated with the various morpho-physiological and biochemical traits of stress tolerance. This review focuses on (i) identifying the tolerance mechanisms that are important for stable growth and development, and (ii) the applicability of QTL mapping and association analysis in identifying genomic regions linked with stress-tolerance traits, in order to help breeders in marker-assisted selection (MAS) to quickly screen tolerant germplasms in their breeding cycles. Overall, the information presented here will inform and assist future barley breeding programs

Methyl Jasmonate Induces Genes Involved in Linalool Accumulation and Increases the Content of Phenolics in Two Iranian Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) Ecotypes

The medicinal herb coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.), with a high linalool (LIN) content, is widely recognized for its therapeutic benefits. As a novel report, the goals of this study were to determine how methyl jasmonate (MeJA) affects total phenolic content (TPC), LIN content, flavonoid content (TFC), and changes in gene expression involved in the linalool biosynthesis pathway (CsγTRPS and CsLINS). Our findings showed that, in comparison to the control samples, MeJA treatment substantially enhanced the TPC, LIN, and TFC content in both ecotypes. Additionally, for both Iranian coriander ecotypes, treatment-induced increases in CsγTRPS and CsLINS expression were connected to LIN accumulation in all treatments. A 24 h treatment with 150 µM MeJA substantially increased the LIN content in the Mashhad and Zanjan ecotypes, which was between 1.48 and 1.69 times greater than that in untreated plants, according to gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. Our findings demonstrated that MeJA significantly affects the accumulation of LIN, TPC, and TFC in Iranian C. sativum treated with MeJA, which is likely the consequence of gene activation from the monoterpene biosynthesis pathway. Our discoveries have improved the understanding of the molecular mechanisms behind LIN synthesis in coriander plants

Overview of Identified Genomic Regions Associated with Various Agronomic and Physiological Traits in Barley under Abiotic Stresses

Climate change has caused breeders to focus on varieties that are able to grow under unfavorable conditions, such as drought, high and low temperatures, salinity, and other stressors. In recent decades, progress in biotechnology and its related tools has provided opportunities to dissect and decipher the genetic basis of tolerance to various stress conditions. One such approach is the identification of genomic regions that are linked with specific or multiple characteristics. Cereal crops have a key role in supplying the energy required for human and animal populations. However, crop products are dramatically affected by various environmental stresses. Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is one of the oldest domesticated crops that is cultivated globally. Research has shown that, compared with other cereals, barley is well adapted to various harsh environmental conditions. There is ample literature regarding these responses to abiotic stressors, as well as the genomic regions associated with the various morpho-physiological and biochemical traits of stress tolerance. This review focuses on (i) identifying the tolerance mechanisms that are important for stable growth and development, and (ii) the applicability of QTL mapping and association analysis in identifying genomic regions linked with stress-tolerance traits, in order to help breeders in marker-assisted selection (MAS) to quickly screen tolerant germplasms in their breeding cycles. Overall, the information presented here will inform and assist future barley breeding programs

Methyl Jasmonate Induces Genes Involved in Linalool Accumulation and Increases the Content of Phenolics in Two Iranian Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) Ecotypes

The medicinal herb coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.), with a high linalool (LIN) content, is widely recognized for its therapeutic benefits. As a novel report, the goals of this study were to determine how methyl jasmonate (MeJA) affects total phenolic content (TPC), LIN content, flavonoid content (TFC), and changes in gene expression involved in the linalool biosynthesis pathway (CsγTRPS and CsLINS). Our findings showed that, in comparison to the control samples, MeJA treatment substantially enhanced the TPC, LIN, and TFC content in both ecotypes. Additionally, for both Iranian coriander ecotypes, treatment-induced increases in CsγTRPS and CsLINS expression were connected to LIN accumulation in all treatments. A 24 h treatment with 150 µM MeJA substantially increased the LIN content in the Mashhad and Zanjan ecotypes, which was between 1.48 and 1.69 times greater than that in untreated plants, according to gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. Our findings demonstrated that MeJA significantly affects the accumulation of LIN, TPC, and TFC in Iranian C. sativum treated with MeJA, which is likely the consequence of gene activation from the monoterpene biosynthesis pathway. Our discoveries have improved the understanding of the molecular mechanisms behind LIN synthesis in coriander plants

Identification and tissue-specific expression of rutin biosynthetic pathway genes in Capparis spinosa elicited with salicylic acid and methyl jasmonate

Capparis spinosa is an edible medicinal plant which is considered as an excellent source of rutin. Rutin is a glycoside of the flavonoid quercetin that has been reported to have a beneficial role in controlling various diseases such as hypertension, arteriosclerosis, diabetes, and obesity. In this study, the partial cDNA of four genes involved in the rutin biosynthetic pathway including 4-coumaroyl CoA ligase (4CL), flavonoid 3'-hydroxylase (F3'H), flavonol synthase (FLS) and flavonol-3-O-glucoside L-rhamnosyltransferase (RT) were identified in C.spinosa plants for the first time. The protein sequences of these genes shared high similarity with the same proteins in other plant species. Subsequently, the expression patterns of these genes as well as rutin accumulation in C.spinosa leaves treated with different concentrations of salicylic acid (SA) and methyl jasmonate (MeJA) and also in different tissues of Caper plants treated with 100 mgL(-1) SA and 150 mu M MeJA were evaluated. The expression of all four genes was clearly up-regulated and rutin contents increased in response to MeJA and SA treatments after 24 h. The highest rutin contents (5.30 mgg(-1) DW and 13.27 mgg(-1) DW), as well as the highest expression levels of all four genes, were obtained using 100 mgL(-1) SA and 150 mu M MeJA, respectively. Among the different tissues, the highest rutin content was observed in young leaves treated with 150 mu M MeJA, which corresponded to the expression of related genes, especially RT, as a key gene in the rutin biosynthetic pathway. These results suggest that rutin content in various tissues of C. spinosa can be enhanced to a significant extent by MeJA and SA treatments and the gene expression patterns of rutin-biosynthesis-related genes are regulated by these elicitors