Optimizing Plant Alkaloid Biosynthesis under Drought Stress: Regulatory Mechanisms and Biotechnological Strategies.

Journal: Journal of plant physiology
Published Date:

Abstract

Global climate change exacerbates drought stress, severely affecting plant growth, agricultural productivity, and the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites. Alkaloids, nitrogenous compounds with diverse biological activities, hold substantial medicinal value across various plant species. This review investigates the regulatory mechanisms through which drought stress influences alkaloid synthesis, focusing on key pathways such as abscisic acid (ABA) signaling and reactive oxygen species (ROS) responses that modulate gene expression and metabolic processes. Furthermore, we explore advanced biotechnological strategies-including genetic engineering, synthetic biology, and artificial intelligence (AI)-designed to optimizing alkaloid production under drought stress conditions. In agriculture, these strategies support the development of drought-resistant crops with enhanced alkaloid profiles, while in the pharmaceutical industry, sustainable production methods for valuable alkaloids are highlighted. The review also addresses critical challenges, such as balancing plant growth with metabolite production and ensuring field-level applicability of laboratory-developed strategies. By emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration, this research provides comprehensive insights and practical guidance for enhancing crop resilience and maximizing alkaloid yields, thereby advancing sustainability in the medicinal plant industry.

Authors

  • Ziyi Guo
    SMILE Lab, School of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China. Electronic address: ziyiguo94@gmail.com.
  • Sujing He
    Department of Medical Instrumental Analysis, School of Preclinical Medicine of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563099, China.
  • Xinying Zhong
    Department of Cell Biology, School of Preclinical Medicine of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563099, China.
  • Ning Yang
    Department of Cardiology, Tianjin Chest Hospital, No 261, Taierzhuang South road, Jinnan district, Tianjin, 300222, China.
  • Delin Xu
    Department of Medical Instrumental Analysis, School of Preclinical Medicine of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563099, China; Department of Cell Biology, School of Preclinical Medicine of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563099, China. Electronic address: xudelin2000@163.com.