Metabolomics analysis identifies metabolites associated with systemic acquired resistance in Arabidopsis.

BACKGROUND

Systemic acquired resistance (SAR) is a type of plant defense response that provides a long-lasting resistance to broad-spectrum pathogens in uninfected distal tissues following an initial localized infection. However, little information is available at present on the biological basis of SAR at the molecular level, especially in uninfected distal leaves.

METHODS

In the present work, we used two SAR-inducing pathogens, avirulent pv. ES4326 harboring () and virulent pv. ES4326 ( ES4326), to induce SAR in Arabidopsis ecotype Col-0. A metabolomics approach based on ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) coupled with mass spectrometry (MS) was used to identify SAR-related metabolites in infected local leaves, and in uninfected distal leaves.

RESULTS

Differentially accumulated metabolites were distinguished by statistical analyses. The results showed that both the primary metabolism and the secondary metabolism were significantly altered in infected local leaves and in uninfected distal leaves, including phenolic compounds, amino acids, nucleotides, organic acids, and many other metabolites.

CONCLUSIONS

The content of amino acids and phenolic compounds increased in uninfected distal leaves, suggesting their contribution to the establishment of SAR. In addition, 2'-hydroxy-4, 4', 6'-trimethoxychalcone, phenylalanine, and -coumaric acid were identified as potential components which may play important roles both in basic resistance and in SAR. This work provides a reference for understanding of the metabolic mechanism associated with SAR in plants, which will be useful for further investigation of the molecular basis of the systemic immunity.