Expression profiling of rosmarinic acid biosynthetic genes and some physiological responses from Mentha piperita L. under salinity and heat stress

Peppermint is of great economic importance, mainly due to its valuable essential oils. The present study aimed to compare the expression level of genes coding for proteins involved in the rosmarinic acid biosynthesis pathway and some physiological responses in peppermint under three levels of salinity (0, 60 and 120 mM) and two levels of thermal stresses (at 25 °C, optimal plant heat, and 35 °C, for thermal stress). The results showed that salinity at 25 °C resulted in an increased relative level of phenolic compounds, proline and antioxidant activity by 1.88, 1.92 and 2.58 times after 72 h respectively at salinity of 120 mM. Rosmarinic acid as well as soluble sugar, chlorophyll and K⁺/N⁺ ratio showed a decreasing trend by 3.2, 1.8, 4.6 and 9 times after 72 h respectively at salinity of 120 mM at 35 °C. Gene expression analysis showed a significant increase in HPPR and C4H expression and a significant decrease in RAS expression in plants subjected to simultaneous stresses. The higher levels of C4H and HPPR expression indicate the roles of these genes in defense processes and the effects of phenolic compounds in inhibiting oxidative stress. Our results may help increase knowledge about the stress-dependent alterations in gene expression profiles and physiological patterns in plants. This information may be used for medicinal plant improvement programs aimed at increasing rosmarinic acid production.