Protective mechanisms of melatonin against selenium toxicity in Brassica napus: insights into physiological traits, thiol biosynthesis and antioxidant machinery

Background The ubiquitous signaling molecule melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) (MT) plays vital roles in plant development and stress tolerance. Selenium (Se) may be phytotoxic at high concentrations. Interactions between MT and Se (IV) stress in higher plants are poorly understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the defensive roles of exogenous MT (0 mu M, 50 mu M, and 100 mu M) against Se (IV) (0 mu M, 50 mu M, 100 mu M, and 200 mu M) stress based on the physiological and biochemical properties, thiol biosynthesis, and antioxidant system of Brassica napus plants subjected to these treatments. Results Se (IV) stress inhibited B. napus growth and biomass accumulation, reduced pigment content, and lowered net photosynthetic rate (P-n) and PSII photochemical efficiency (Fv/Fm) in a dose-dependent manner. All of the aforementioned responses were effectively alleviated by exogenous MT treatment. Exogenous MT mitigated oxidative damage and lipid peroxidation and protected the plasma membranes from Se toxicity by reducing Se-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation. MT also alleviated osmotic stress by restoring foliar water and sugar levels. Relative to standalone Se treatment, the combination of MT and Se upregulated the ROS-detoxifying enzymes SOD, APX, GR, and CAT, increased proline, free amino acids, and the thiol components GSH, GSSG, GSH/GSSG, NPTs, PCs, and cys and upregulated the metabolic enzymes gamma-ECS, GST, and PCS. Therefore, MT application attenuates Se-induce oxidative damage in plants. MT promotes the accumulation of chelating agents in the roots, detoxifies Se there, and impedes its further translocation to the leaves. Conclusions Exogenous MT improves the physiological traits, antioxidant system, and thiol ligand biosynthesis in B. napus subjected to Se stress primarily by enhancing Se detoxification and sequestration especially at the root level. Our results reveal better understanding of Se-phytotoxicity and Se-stress alleviation by the adequate supply of MT. The mechanisms of MT-induced plant tolerance to Se stress have potential implications in developing novel strategies for safe crop production in Se-rich soils.