Biology subjects

Erland, L. A. E.

Publications and source records attributed to Erland, L. A. E..

3 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2026

Auxin is metabolized through kynurenine in Hypericum perforatum L.

Recent studies have demonstrated the presence of kynurenine (KYN) and kynurenic acid (KYNA) in several plant species, but the metabolic function of these metabolites remains undefined. We hypothesized that KYN and KYNA are metabolites of auxin and play a role in plant morphogenesis. To test our hypothesis, we developed a plant tissue-culture-based bioassay using Hypericum perforatum (St. Johns wort; SJW), a model system for auxin and indoleamine metabolism and pharmacological inhibitors (PF-04859989, RO-61-8048, and KMO inhibitor II, JM6) of human kynurenine pathways enzymes. SJW is an interesting model system because explants root in the absence of plant growth regulators but supplementation of the culture media with 10 M IAA induces a callus response without de novo root organogenesis. Supplementation of the culture media with 10 M KYN increased root number and internodal length relative to basal media. We used a previously validated high-resolution mass spectrometry analytical method to quantify KYN, KYNA, and 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid (3-HAA). KYN, KYNA and 3-HAA were quantified in roots and shoots of SJW grown on basal media. Supplementation of the culture media with 10 M KYN increased the concentration of KYN, KYNA and 3-HAA in roots and shoots. Treatment with 10 M IAA increased KYN and 3-HAA concentration in shoots. Three pharmaceutical candidates that are kynurenine pathway inhibitors in humans were taken up into the tissues from the culture media and increased KYN content as compared to basal control. Together, these data propose a role for KYN in IAA metabolism, shoot and root organogenesis. HighlightsO_LIKynurenine metabolites are detected and accumulate in H. perforatum tissue culture C_LIO_LIIAA redirects metabolism towards accumulation of KYN and 3-HAA in shoots C_LIO_LIExogenous KYN promotes KYNA accumulation C_LIO_LIPharmacological inhibition alters kynurenine pathway metabolite profiles in a tissue-specific manner C_LIO_LIKynurenine and IAA differentially regulate root development C_LI

plant biology↗

bioRxiv2026

Integrated phytohormone quantification and metabolomics analysis enables new insights into the soil phytohormonome

The contribution of soil chemistry to plant growth and resilience, including presence of phytohormones, is increasingly recognized, yet characterization is limited by chemical complexity of soil matrices, diversity and low-abundance of metabolites. To enable further discoveries, we developed and characterized performance of a liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry method with solid phase extraction, integrating targeted and untargeted hormonomic approaches for comprehensive soil phytohormone profiling. Method performance was evaluated for fifteen plant growth-regulating compounds and precursors, including abscisic, gibberellic, jasmonic, and salicylic acids, auxins, cytokinins, karrikins, melatonin, and tryptophan, showing strong linearity (R{superscript 2} = 0.989-0.999), sensitivity (limits of detection and quantification 0.1-50.2 and 1.4-167.3 pg on-column, respectively), and precision (1.3-9.6% intraday; 3.4-34.8% interday). Soil composition impacted recovery; however, for most phytohormones rates were within 20% of matrix-adjusted spiked value, showing robustness across sandy, peat-rich, and clay-rich textures and suitable for use. We used the method to quantify analytes in research-relevant, active soils. Integration of untargeted analysis expanded coverage to 250 additional putative phytohormones and related metabolites, revealing chemical signatures potentially associated with plant community composition. This approach provides a versatile framework for investigating belowground phytohormone dynamics and their roles in plant physiology, resilience, and soil-plant feedbacks.

plant biology↗

bioRxiv2025

Differential temperature adaptation mechanisms in the High Arctic-adapted Cerastium regelii Ostenf. and the widespread Stellaria longipes Goldie.

O_LIClimate change impacts arctic latitudes more acutely than other latitudes, resulting in arctic shrubification. How individual species in these climes respond to warming temperature is poorly understood. Understanding species resiliency to climate change will help us conserve plant species at risk. C_LIO_LIWe performed a survey of plants in a permafrost anomaly in Resolute (Qausuittuq), Nunavut, Canada. Two identified species, Stellaria longipes Goldie and Cerastium regelii Ostenf., were investigated through modelled niche suitability under future climate scenarios, phenological analysis, and in vitro warming experiments to investigate growth and phytochemical profiles. C_LIO_LI10 species including Stellaria longipes and Cerastium regelii were identified in the anomaly. Predicted niche suitability increased under SSP126 for C. regelii, with compressed and later flowering period since 1850. In vitro, S. longipes maximized growth at 24 {degrees}C with greater abundance of cytokinins than C. regelii, which increased growth at 28 {degrees}C. C_LIO_LIStellaria longipes is self-limiting at higher temperatures, and is less temperature-dependent for its success, while C. regelii is more affected by warming temperatures, showing increases in growth and predicted niche suitability. Our work increases understanding of plant resiliency and vulnerability in Canadas High Arctic, and sheds light on the biology of an understudied arctic specialist in C. regelii. C_LI

plant biology↗