By Andi Anderson
Researchers at Purdue University have launched a new project to better understand how plants regulate important chemical compounds known as metabolites. The research could lead to advances in crop improvement, environmental sustainability, and the production of valuable products used in medicine, nutrition, and industry.
The project is supported by a National Science Foundation grant and builds on years of previous research conducted by Purdue scientists. The study focuses on specialized metabolites, which are natural compounds produced by plants that help them grow, survive, and respond to their environment.
According to Ying Li, associate professor of horticulture and landscape architecture, “Plant cells function as chemical factories, producing over a million distinct metabolites that are essential for plant fitness and survival.” These compounds provide many benefits to people, including food ingredients, medicines, natural pesticides, dyes, nutrients, and food additives. They also play an important role in shaping ecosystems by influencing interactions among plants, insects, and microbes.
The research team includes Natalia Dudareva, Distinguished Professor of Biochemistry, Jing Liu, associate professor of physics and astronomy, and Yiwei Huang, associate professor of landscape architecture. Together, they are studying how specialized metabolites influence genetic activity within plant cells and how these compounds help regulate their own production.
Petunia flowers serve as the main model for this research because they naturally produce large amounts of specialized metabolites that are easy to observe and analyze. Previous studies by the Purdue team examined floral scent compounds known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and explored how day and night cycles affect scent production and plant gene activity.
Scientists know that plants must carefully control metabolite production. While these compounds are essential for growth and environmental adaptation, excessive production can waste energy and lead to harmful accumulation. Researchers are therefore investigating the molecular mechanisms that help plants maintain safe and balanced metabolite levels.
Earlier work by Ying Li and Natalia Dudareva revealed that high levels of specialized metabolites can activate a feedback process that limits the activity of their biosynthetic genes. This natural regulation helps plants manage resources efficiently and avoid potential damage.
The new project will examine whether a specific enzyme acts as a sensor that detects metabolite fluctuations and controls genetic activity through chromatin modifications. Researchers believe this process may help switch important genes on or off, providing a natural feedback system that regulates metabolite production.
In addition to research activities, the project includes educational outreach. Yiwei Huang, associate professor of landscape architecture, will help engage high school students through the 4-H Academy @ Purdue. The team will also create an illustrated children's book about floral scents and offer hands-on biotechnology and metabolic engineering experiences through the Purdue Agriculture Science Research Institute.
By improving understanding of plant metabolism and genetic regulation, the research could support future innovations in agriculture, environmental management, biotechnology, and the development of valuable plant-based products.
Photo Credit: pexels-greta-hoffman
Categories: Indiana, Education