Transcriptomic analysis of the phytotoxic effects of 1-allyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride on the growth and plant hormone metabolic pathways of maize (Zea mays L.) seedlings.

In this study, we investigated the phytotoxicity of an imidazolium-based ionic liquid, 1-allyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([Amim]Cl), against maize seedlings. It was found that in response to an increase in [Amim]Cl treatment concentrations, there were significant decreases in growth parameters (fresh weights and lengths) and the photosynthetic pigment contents of maize plants, whereas in contrast, the malondialdehyde content increased. In order to determine the molecular basis of [Amim]Cl-induced plant growth inhibition, an RNA-Seq analysis to examine the gene expression profiles of selected central biological pathways was performed. And a total of 4024 genes that were differentially expressed between control and 400 mg/L [Amim]Cl-treated plants were accordingly identified. Pathway enrichment analysis for the differentially expressed genes revealed that 12 of 15 genes in the porphyrin and chlorophyll metabolic pathways were down-regulated in response to [Amim]Cl treatment. Moreover, all six genes encoding key chlorophyll synthetic enzymes were down-regulated by [Amim]Cl. With regards to plant hormone metabolic pathways, the genes encoding key enzymes involved in ethybilene and abscisic acid (ABA) biosynthesis were up-regulated in response to [Amim]Cl treatment. Genes responsible for gibberellin (GA) inactivation were also stimulated by [Amim]Cl. These observations indicate that [Amim]Cl may promote the biosynthesis of senescence-related hormones (ethylene and ABA) as well as inactivation of growth-promoting hormones (GAs). It might be concluded that the observed [Amim]Cl-induced inhibition of maize seedling growth could be associated with changes in the gene expression profiles of these metabolic pathways.