Gene expression of 1-deoxy-D-xylulose 5-phosphate reductoisomerase and carvacrol biosynthesis in Satureja khuzestanica

Satureja khuzistanica Jamzad is a native plant that is dispersed throughout southern Iran. This plant has been used as analgesic and antiseptic medication among the inhabitants of southern parts of Iran. Carvacrol as the main component of the wild S. khuzistanica (≤90%) has been found to have significant antioxidant properties. In this study, the shoot cultures of Satureja khuzestanica in LS medium were affected by different concentrations of FOS and MEV (0, 10, 25, 50, 75 and 100µM) for 21 days. Then the Carvacrol content in different treatments was assayed by HPLC method. The level of 1-Deoxy-D-xylulose 5-phosphate reductoisomerase (DXR) gene expression in concentrations above and optimal concentration (75 µM) from zero to 100 hours was monitored by Semi-quantitative RT-PCR method. Our results showed that Concentrations in some inhibitors can have an influence on DXR expression and carvacrol contents. The changes observed in carvacrol can be considered as a result of different levels of DXR expression.