Effects of sodium selenate on energy metabolism of amaranth inoculated with Glomus mosseae based on targeted metabolomics

Abstract Background Selenium (Se) deficiency poses significant health risks to human populations globally, necessitating effective biofortification strategies. Amaranth ( Amaranthus retroflexus ), a nutrient-dense vegetable with demonstrated capacity for Se accumulation in seleniferous soils, represents a promising biofortification vehicle. Critically, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) enhance rhizospheric Se mobilization, yet their synergistic effects on plant energy metabolism remain unexplored. Results This pot study investigated the influence of exogenous selenium (Se) treatment on energy metabolism in amaranth colonized by the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus Glomus mosseae . Using LC–MS/MS-based targeted metabolomics with OPLS-DA and KEGG analysis, we identified 14 differentially expressed metabolites (8 up-/6 down-regulated) in Se-exposed plants. These metabolites mapped to glycolysis, TCA cycle, pentose phosphate pathway, electron transport chain, and amino acid/pyruvate metabolism. Activity assays of key enzymes, including PGI, SDH, G6PDH, 6PGDH, and CCO, revealed potential multi-pathway perturbations in energy metabolism under Se treatment. Conclusions Based on these results, it can be concluded that selenium addition significantly affected amaranth energy metabolism. Graphical Abstract