Unraveling the molecular and physiological responses of a major industrial crop Nicotiana tabacum exposed to preservative parabens

Paraben chemicals are widely used preservatives presented in numerous consumer products, resulting in their widespread presence in environment. Although parabens are ubiquitous environmental contaminants with documented ecotoxicity, their impacts on plant growth and crop productivity remain poorly characterized. This study examined the molecular and physiological responses of tobacco, a widely cultivated agricultural model species, to methylparaben (MP) and propylparaben (PP). Exposure to both parabens was associated with reductions in chlorophyll content, chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, and photosynthetic reaction centers, accompanied by inhibited plant growth and productivity. Through comprehensive analysis of physiology and genome-wide expression profiles, we observed significant increase in free radicals and expression of relevant genes that triggered the activation of the antioxidant defense system. Furthermore, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and machine learning modeling identified photosynthesis-related traits as key factors implicated in tobacco responses to MP and PP exposure. Differential expressed genes (DEGs) related to flavonoid, lignin, and starch-sugar metabolism and the endoplasmic reticulum stress signaling pathway were also significantly enriched. In summary, this study provides exploratory insights into consider the potential environmental risks posed by these hydroxybenzoic esters and plant molecular machinery that enables plasticity and resistance to emerging contaminants. • Both methylparaben and propylparaben inhibit plant growth. • Paraben toxicity affects the photosystem and redox homeostasis. • Paraben exposure induces massive changes in gene expression profiles. • Meta-analyses indicate photosynthesis is a pivotal factor mediating the plant-paraben interactions.