Metabolic analysis of MYB30 that regulates iron deficiency stress in Arabidopsis

Introduction Iron is an essential microelement for animals, humans, and plants. Notably, approximately one-third of the world’s soils are alkaline, leading to iron deficiency. Therefore, understanding the mechanism of iron absorption and transport in plants is crucial for improving iron bioavailability in crops. Methods In this research, reverse genetics was used to identify the transcription factor MYB30 as a positive regulator of the plant response to iron deficiency. Results and Discussion Phenotype analysis demonstrated that MYB30 mutant plants were sensitive to iron deficiency, exhibiting reduced root length, lower chlorophyll content, and elevated lipid peroxidation, whereas MYB30 overexpression lines showed enhanced tolerance. Metabolomic analysis of myb30 plant roots by mass spectrometry indicated decreased antioxidant activity and detoxification capacity under iron-deficient conditions. Interestingly, 22 metabolic pathways were altered in the myb30 plant under iron deficiency. This metabolic reprogramming likely compromises plant growth. Furthermore, MYB30 reduced reactive oxygen species accumulation under iron deficiency stress by activating related genes and enhancing antioxidant enzyme activity. In summary, metabolite analysis provides detailed molecular insights into plant iron deficiency stress and supports molecular genetic breeding efforts to improve mineral nutrition in crops.