Garlic-released NO and H2S modulate Arabidopsis metabolism by reshaping redox balance and redox-dependent post-translational modifications
Abstract
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.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Plant Stress Responses and Tolerance
Sulfur Compounds in Biology
Plant nutrient uptake and metabolism
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Plant Physiology and Biochemistry
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Volume
- 235
- Pages
- 111360–111360
- Publication date
- 5 May 2026
- Language
- EN