Insight into the role of phytoalexin naringenin and phytohormone abscisic acid in defense against phytopathogens Phytophthora infestans and Magnaporthe oryzae: In vitro and in silico approaches

• Published in: Physiological and molecular plant pathology 2023-09, Vol.127, p.102123, Article 102123
• Main Authors: Nguyen-Ngoc, Hieu, Nguyen, Cuong Quoc, Vo, Kieu Anh Thi, Nguyen, Thu Trang Thi, Nghiem, Duc Trong, Ha, Nguyen Thi, Nguyen, Van Minh, Choi, Gyung Ja, Ardiansyah, Ahmad Ghozali, Nguyen, Cong Thanh, Vu, Hoang Dinh, Nguyen, Ngoc Tuan, De Tran, Quang, Le Dang, Quang
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Abscisic acid; Antifungal defense; Magnaporthe oryzae; Naringenin; Phytophthora infestans
• ISSN: 0885-5765; 1096-1178
• DOI: 10.1016/j.pmpp.2023.102123

Phytoalexin naringenin and phytohormone abscisic acid (ABA) play crucial roles in plant defense and physiology. This work encompassed both experimental and computational approaches to assess their antifungal efficacy against Phytophthora infestans and Magnaporthe oryzae. Naringenin and ABA, isolated from Desmodium sequax, exhibited significant in vitro antifungal activity against both pathogens. Naringenin was moderately active against M. oryzae in a dose-dependent manner, while ABA was not. The antifungal efficacy of ABA against P. infestans (IC50 = 19.7 μg/mL and IC90 = 72.0 μg/mL) was more potent when compared with that of naringenin (IC50 = 53.7 μg/mL and IC90 = 129.2 μg/mL). Computational models provided insights into their interactions with pathogenic enzymes. Naringenin emerged as a novel inhibitor of M. oryzae enzymes (1,3,8-trihydroxynaphthalene reductase and scytalone dehydratase); and together with ABA, it exhibited robust interactions with targeted P. infestans enzymes (chitin synthase and calmodulin). Ligand-based pharmacophore models were constructed for prospective P. infestans inhibitors. These findings highlight the mechanism and antifungal potential of naringenin and ABA and suggest their use as natural fungicides in sustainable agriculture. [Display omitted] •Naringenin (1) and ABA (2) remarkably inhibited P. infestans in a dose-dependent manner.•The interactions of ABA and naringenin with fungal enzymes were elucidated by in silico models.•Naringenin was seen as a competitive inhibitor of M. oryzae enzymes 1YBV and 1STD.•Two pharmacophore models were designed to screen for potent P. infestans inhibitors.•The novel use of naringenin and ABA as natural fungicides to control fungal diseases was suggested.