Effect of refreshed L-DOPA treatment on gene expression, chlorophyll content, and anthocyanin content of Arabidopsis thaliana

Abstract

This work examines the physiological and molecular reactions of Arabidopsis thaliana under various iron circumstances about the impact of renewed L-DOPA therapy. Four treatments were applied to plants grown in a hydroponic system: Fe+, Fe-, L-DOPA Fe+, and L-DOPA Fe-. The main objectives of the experiment were chlorophyll content, anthocyanin accumulation, and the expression of genes linked to iron homeostasis, such as IRT1, FRO2, IMA1, IMA3, and the bHLH transcription factors. The findings showed that by preserving chlorophyll levels and boosting anthocyanin synthesis, L-DOPA reduces the symptoms of iron insufficiency. IRT1 and FRO2 were significantly upregulated in Fe- and L-DOPA Fe-treatments, according to gene expression analysis, whereas IMA1 and IMA3 showed maximal expression in L-DOPA Fe-conditions. Additionally, the bHLH genes' function in regulating iron uptake was highlighted by their increased expression in L-DOPA therapies, especially in iron-deficient environments. This study highlighted the significance of treatment consistency by showing a decrease in gene expression by day 3 under Fe-conditions as compared to earlier experiments without treatment refreshing. These results imply that L-DOPA may be used to enhance plant stress tolerance and nutrient management, providing information about sustainable farming methods.