Feedback regulation of plant secondary metabolism: Applications and challenges

• Published in: Plant science (Limerick) Vol. 340; p. 111983
• Main Authors: Li, Chuhan, Jiang, Rui, Wang, Xingxing, Lv, Zongyou, Li, Wankui, Chen, Wansheng
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Ireland Elsevier B.V 01-03-2024
• Subjects: Biosynthetic pathway; Feedback regulation; Phytohormone signaling; Secondary metabolites; Terpenoids; Trichome; Feedback regulation; Secondary metabolites; Biosynthetic pathway; Phytohormone signaling; Terpenoids; Trichome
• ISSN: 0168-9452; 1873-2259
• DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2024.111983

Plant secondary metabolites offer resistance to invasion by herbivorous organisms, and are also useful in the chemical, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and fragrance industries. There are numerous approaches to enhancing secondary metabolite yields. However, a growing number of studies has indicated that feedback regulation may be critical in regulating secondary metabolite biosynthesis. Here, we review examples of feedback regulation in secondary metabolite biosynthesis pathways, phytohormone signal transduction, and complex deposition sites associated with secondary metabolite biosynthesis. We propose a new strategy to enhance secondary metabolite production based on plant feedback regulation. We also discuss challenges in feedback regulation that must be overcome before its application to enhancing secondary metabolite yields. This review discusses recent advances in the field and highlights a strategy to overcome feedback regulation-related obstacles and obtain high secondary metabolite yields.
•Propose a new strategy to enhance secondary metabolite production based on plant feedback regulation.•Discuss recent advances in the field of feedback regulation of plant secondary metabolism.•Highlights a strategy to overcome feedback regulation-related obstacles and obtain high secondary metabolite yields.•Discuss remaining obstacles and employ it for future secondary metabolite regulation in plants.