Work

Melatonin enhanced photosynthesis efficiency by improving carotenoid biosynthesis and carbon fixation via regulation of transcription factors

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Melatonin enhances photosynthesis efficiency in high plants. However, the underlying molecular mechanism remain largely unexplored. Our study provides novel insights into the multifaceted role of melatonin in Nicotiana tabacum , an important industrial crop. Foliar application of melatonin improved the photosynthetic capacity, promoted antioxidant enzymes activity, and enhanced tolerance to reactive oxygen species (ROS). Compared with control, melatonin-treated tobacco exhibited the increase in carotenoid contents including lutein, β-carotene, neoxanthin and violaxanthin, along with the higher levels of chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b. RNA-seq analysis indicated that melatonin robustly stimulated pathways related to carotenoid biosynthesis, biosynthesis of amino acids, photosynthesis, carbon fixation in photosynthetic organism, fatty acid biosynthesis, and glutathione metabolism. Co-expression network indicated the melatonin activated key transcription factors, including bHLH, WRKY, MYB, NAC, MADS6 and AP2/ERF. These transcription factors likely enhanced carotenoid biosynthesis and carbon fixation. Our results highlight the potential of melatonin as a novel eco-friendly agrochemical. Its application could address agricultural challenges by improving photosynthetic efficiency, thereby offering a sustainable solution for crop enhancement.

Source: Plant Growth Regulation

DOI: 10.1007/s10725-025-01377-5