Researchers have identified a group of transcription factors in petunias that can trigger the production of specialized steroids involved in plant defense against pests. Secondary metabolites, such as these steroids, are chemical compounds produced by plants to help them survive fluctuating environmental conditions. The study, published in PNAS Nexus, demonstrates how manipulating upstream regulators in plants could lead to the discovery of previously unexplored secondary metabolites.
The research team, led by Tsubasa Shoji, focused on identifying new pathways for the production of secondary metabolites in petunias by manipulating their transcription factors. They identified a group of transcription factor genes called PhERF genes, which belong to the ethylene response factor family and are responsible for controlling the synthesis of bioactive natural products.
Transiently overexpressing PhERF1 in petunia leaves led to the increased production of specialized steroids known as petuniolides and petuniasterones, which are likely involved in plant defense against insect attacks. This suggests that the manipulation of these genes could lead to the development of new methods for producing plant-derived compounds with therapeutic or industrial applications.
The use of transcription factors to stimulate the production of bioactive natural products has significant potential for bioproduction, according to the authors. There are similar ERF transcription factors in many plant families, indicating that evolutionary conserved factors could be used as genetic tools to explore new avenues for the use of natural products in medicine, agriculture, and other fields.
The study underscores the importance of understanding the regulatory mechanisms that control the production of secondary metabolites in plants. By identifying new pathways for the synthesis of bioactive compounds, researchers can harness the power of natural products to improve human health and promote sustainable agriculture.