Gene Expression Analysis of Thymol and Carvacrol Biosynthesis Pathway in Thymus vulgaris under Salinity Stress

Thymus vulgaris is one of the dark Lamiaceae plants in different parts of the Mediterranean and some parts of Asia, and today it is cultivated in different parts of the world, including Iran. The medicinal effects of this plant are related to various compounds, including thymol and carvacrol. This research was conducted in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Treatments were carried out in 4 levels of salinity (control, 50, 100 and 150 mM.). Physiological Aspects and phytochemical yield were evaluated. Expression of genes was evaluated by qRT PCR method and essential oil was analysis by HPLC method. The results showed that salinity stress had a significant effect (p≤0.05) on the expression of the studied genes. The highest expression of TvTPS1 (TvTPS5) genes was observed in 100mM treatment and the highest TvDXR expression was observed in 50mM NaCl treatment. The highest levels of thymol and carvacrol were observed in 100 mM NaCl. The 100 mM NaCl concentration increased thymol and carvacrol content by affecting the up and down stream genes of the MEP and thymol biosynthesis pathways through signaling processes.