PatWRKY71 transcription factor regulates patchoulol biosynthesis and plant defense response

Abstract

Patchoulol, a valuable compound belonging to the sesquiterpenoid family, is the primary component of patchouli oil produced by Pogostemon cablin (P. cablin). It has a variety of pharmacological and biological activities and is widely used in the medical and cosmetic industries. However, despite its significance, there is a lack of research on the transcriptional modulation of patchoulol biosynthesis.

Salicylic acid (SA), is a vital plant hormone that serves as a critical signal molecule and plays an essential role in plant growth and defense. However, to date, no studies have explored the modulation of patchoulol biosynthesis by SA. In our study, we discovered that the application of SA can enhance the production of patchoulol. Utilizing transcriptome analysis of SA-treated P. cablin, we identified a crucial downstream transcription factor, PatWRKY71. The transcription level of PatWRKY71 was significantly increased with the use of SA. Furthermore, our research has revealed that PatWRKY71 was capable of binding to the promoter of PatPTS, ultimately leading to an increase in its expression. When PatWRKY71 was silenced by a virus, the expression of both PatWRKY71 and PatPTS was reduced, resulting in the down-regulation of patchoulol production. Through our studies, we discovered that heterologous expression of PatWRKY71 leads to an increase in the sensitivity of Arabidopsis to salt and Cd, as well as an outbreak of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Additionally, we uncovered the regulatory role of PatWRKY71 in both patchoulol biosynthesis and plant defense response. This discovery provided a theoretical basis for the improvement of the content of patchoulol and the resistance of P. cablin through genetic engineering.