Garlic-released NO and H2S modulate Arabidopsis metabolism by reshaping redox balance and redox-dependent post-translational modifications
Nitric oxide (NO) and hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) are key gasotransmitters acting as signaling molecules in plants and animals. Garlic, known for its sulfur-rich compounds, had not previously been identified as a source of NO or H 2 S emission. Using specific sensors, we show that garlic cloves simultaneously release both gases. To assess their biological impact, 30-day-old Arabidopsis thaliana plants were exposed for 24 h to a garlic-released NO/H 2 S-enriched atmosphere. Biochemical analyses revealed significant changes in components of reactive oxygen species (ROS), NO, and H 2 S metabolism, including protein S -glutathionylation, S -nitrosation and tyrosine/tryptophan nitration. Major effects were detected in the antioxidant enzyme catalase (CAT), the H 2 O 2 -producing glycolate oxidase (GOX), and hydroxypyruvate reductase (HPR), all central to peroxisomal redox metabolism. The activity of the H 2 S-producing enzyme L-cysteine desulfhydrase (LCD) and the expression of PAO4 , encoding a peroxisomal H 2 O 2 -generating polyamine oxidase, were also modified. Conversely, nitrite/NADH-dependent NO generation and nitrosoglutathione reductase (GSNOR) activity remained unchanged. These results collectively indicate that garlic-released NO and H 2 S modulate the metabolism of A. thaliana through redox-dependent post-translational modifications, thereby promoting adaptive redox responses. This suggests that garlic may act as a natural dual donor of both NO and H 2 S. • Garlic cloves simultaneously emit nitric oxide (NO) and hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S). • Exposure to garlic-derived NO/ H 2 S reprograms redox metabolism in Arabidopsis. • Key peroxisomal enzymes (CAT, GOX, HPR) are modulated by garlic gas emissions.
Authors
- José M. Palma (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6673-3571)
- Carmelo Ruíz-Torres
- Francisco J. Corpas (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1814-9212)
- Marta Rodríguez-Ruiz (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7034-6117)
- Jorge Taboada (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8002-0383)
- Salvador González-Gordo
- María A. Muñoz-Vargas
Institutions
- Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (ES)
- Estación Experimental del Zaidín (ES)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Plant Physiology and Biochemistry
- Published
- 2026-05-01
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.plaphy.2026.111360
- Primary Topic
- Plant Stress Responses and Tolerance
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00
Funders
- Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad