Transcriptomic profiling and oxidative stress responses of Catharanthus roseus under short-term LED light exposure

As the application of LED light on plants is increasing for development of efficient, sustainable, and innovative agricultural strategies, comprehensive knowledge towards response mechanisms of plants under such artificial light source is less known. To explore the molecular responses of Catharanthus roseus under short-term white LED light as guidance for optimizing its growth and therapeutic properties, transcriptomic sequencing-based investigation was performed. During 2 h of white LED light treatment, contents of catharanthine and vindoline fluctuated. The expression of genes involved in the methylthio-adenosine shunt pathway and its upstream regulatory components exhibited similar fluctuation trends. Circadian rhythm-related genes rapidly responded to the light exposure. Sugar metabolism showed dynamic changes, with a notable increase in glycosylation modifications, and antioxidant capacity was enhanced. These results highlight the initial responses of C. roseus to short-term white LED light and its broad regulatory effects on secondary metabolism, which facilitates the cultivation of C. roseus with enhanced therapeutic potential in an eco-friendly and commercially viable manner.