Multi-omics profiling identifies MAPK signaling suppression associated with tetracycline-induced root toxicity in soybean

ABSTRACT: Tetracycline (TC), a widely used veterinary antibiotic, is a pervasive emerging contaminant threatening crop production. Here, we employed integrated physiological, metabolomic, and transcriptomic analyses to decipher the response of soybean (Glycine max L.) to TC. While seed germination was unaffected, TC severely inhibited post-germinative root growth in a concentration-dependent manner. Multi-omics profiling revealed coordinated disruptions in several stress-related processes, including severe depletion of antioxidant metabolites (e.g., canthaxanthin), suppression of key phytohormones (indole-3-acetic acid, salicylic acid, and brassinolide), and pronounced remodeling of membrane lipids. Transcriptomic analysis further identified strong down-regulation of genes associated with MAPK signaling, coinciding with changes in redox-related, hormonal, and lipid metabolic pathways. These findings suggest that inhibition of MAPK-associated signaling represents a central stress-related signature linked to TC-induced metabolic and physiological disturbances. Overall, this study highlights the sensitivity of soybean roots to TC and provides mechanistic insights into plant stress responses under antibiotic exposure.

INSTRUMENT(S): Liquid Chromatography MS - negative - reverse-phase, Liquid Chromatography MS - positive - reverse-phase

PROVIDER: MTBLS15077 | MetaboLights | 2026-09-07

REPOSITORIES: MetaboLights