Characterization of phenylalanine ammonium lyase gene family in Datura stramonium and expression analysis in response to nanoparticles-aluminium oxide (Al2O3NPs) and tungsten oxide (WO3NPs)

The phenylalanine ammonium lyase (PAL) gene family is essential for secondary metabolite production, an important component of plant defense mechanisms. This study characterized the PAL gene family in an important medicinal plant Datura stramonium . Bioinformatics tools were used to identify and analyze PAL gene’s characteristics like phylogenetic relationships, subcellular localization, conserved domains and motifs, cis-elements, and protein structure. In addition, we examined gene expression in response to aluminum oxide nanoparticles (Al 2 O 3 NPs) and tungsten oxide particles (WO 3 NPs) nanoparticles, which are known to induce stress responses in plants. Twelve PAL genes were identified ( DsPAL1 - DsPAL12 ), with protein lengths ranging from amino acids 108–446. These proteins are located in different cellular regions, suggesting different functions. Motif and cis-regulatory element analysis revealed conserved patterns and responses to stress and hormonal signals. Protein-protein interactions suggest that DsPALs play an important role in plant metabolism and secondary metabolite biosynthesis. RT-qPCR data analysis indicated the differential expression of specific PAL genes in response to nanoparticles, indicating their role in secondary metabolite production. Analysis of secondary metabolite production in nanoparticle-treated samples supports a role for PAL genes in secondary metabolite biosynthesis. The characterization of the PAL gene family in D. stramonium has important insights into plant defense mechanisms and secondary metabolite production. This study suggests that the nanoparticles can be used to enhance secondary metabolite production in D. stramonium and provides the basis for future research on plant metabolic production. Key message PAL gene expression and secondary metabolites production analysis in response to Al 2 O 3 NPs and WO 3 NPs indicates their potential role in secondary metabolites biosynthesis pathways. • 12 DsPAL genes identified in the Datura stramonium genome. • Characterization of DsPAL genes indicates their similar role and function in plant. • DsPAL genes showed differential expression in response to Al 2 O 3 NPs and WO 3 NPs. • Al₂O₃NPs and WO₃NPs nanoparticles upregulate the DsPAL genes, aiding biosynthesis. • Al₂O₃NPs and WO₃NPs nanoparticles enhance secondary metabolite production.