DAT and PRX1 gene expression modulates vincristine production in Catharanthus roseus L. propagates using Cu, Fe and Zn nano structures

Underlying mechanism of nanostructures upon monoterpene induction in Catharanthus roseus has not been explored yet. In the current study, Copper, Iron and Zinc nanoparticles were biosynthesized by Eriobotrya japonica seed extract and capped with reduced glutathione. Biosynthesized nanoparticles and their capped an-alogues were characterized by UV-visible spectrophotometer, FTIR, XRD and SEM. Selected concentration of nanostructures were used in plant tissue culture media which instigated the production of alkaloids, tannins and flavonoids without significantly affecting the growth index of propagated calli and shoots cultures of C. roseus. Accelerated vincristine production was noticed in propagated calli and shoots under copper and zinc nanostress (1645-1865 mu g/ml respectively) with the least effect by iron nanostructure. Highest concentration of calcium was recorded in in vitro shoots under capped (3.42 mg/ml ?+/- 7.16) and uncapped (4.41 mg/ml ?+/- 20.44) Zn nanoparticles compared to control (2.82 mg/ml +/- 13.41). Real time PCR depicts nano-zinc mediated increased expression of DAT and PRX1 genes of TIA pathway. Significant correlation among PRX1/DAT gene expression with vincristine production and calcium accumulation in the presence of nanostress validate by PCA. This study paved way the opportunities of metal biogenic nanomaterials as an ideal drug modulator in plant tissue culture studies.

Automated summary

The underlying mechanism of nanostructures induced by monoterpene in Catharanthus roseus has not been explored yet. In this study, Copper, Iron, and Zinc nanoparticles were synthesized using Eriobotrya japonica seed extract and capped with reduced glutathione. These nanoparticles were used in plant tissue culture media and were found to stimulate the production of alkaloids, tannins, and flavonoids in C. roseus without affecting its growth. Copper and Zinc nanostress resulted in the highest vincristine production in propagated calli and shoots cultures, while iron nanostructure had the least effect. Nano-zinc was also found to increase the expression of DAT and PRX1 genes in the TIA pathway. The accumulation of calcium in in vitro shoots was highest under capped and uncapped Zinc nanoparticles compared to control. This study highlights the potential of metal biogenic nanomaterials as drug modulators in plant tissue culture studies.