Expression of tyrosine hydroxylase gene from rat leads to oxidative stress in potato plants

Abstract Catecholamines are biogenic aromatic amines common among both animals and plants. In animals they are synthesized via tyrosine hydroxylation, while in plants, both hydroxylation or decarboxylation of tyrosine are possible, depending on the species, though no tyrosine hydroxylase – a counterpart of animal enzyme has been identified yet. It is known that in potato plants it is the decarboxylation of tyrosine that leads to catecholamine production. In this paper we present the effects of induction of an alternative route of catecholamine production by introducing tyrosine hydroxylase gene from rat. We demonstrate that an animal system can be used by the plant, however, it does not function to synthesize catecholamines. Instead it leads to elevated reactive oxygen species content and constant stress condition to the plant which responds with elevated antioxidant level and further with improved resistance to infection. One sentence summary Introduction of rat tyrosine hydroxylase gene to potato disturbs catecholamine synthesis, causes oxidative stress and activates antioxidant response.