Riboflavin treatment triggers stress-responsive gene networks for enhanced adaptation in Arabidopsis

Riboflavin is the precursor of the flavin mononucleotide (FMN) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) which are vital coenzymes to a wide array of plant metabolic processes. While the exogenous application of riboflavin has been well-documented to enhance plant stress tolerance, the molecular mechanisms underlying this protective effect remain largely unknown. Here, we present a comprehensive transcriptomic analysis of riboflavin-treated Arabidopsis seedlings, revealing significant changes in gene expression related to stress responses, signaling transduction and secondary metabolism. Riboflavin treatment altered the expression of genes within specific cellular functional categories, supporting the role of riboflavin in regulating plant metabolism and enhancing stress adaptation. The transcriptional changes indicate a shift from growth to stress management, potentially downregulating photosynthesis to preserve energy for immediate stress responses and protect against damage from excess light or oxidative stress. Further, we identified a feedback mechanism where elevated riboflavin levels regulate the expression of genes of its own biosynthetic pathway, controlling both its synthesis and chemical conversion processes. Our study provides novel and valuable insights into the gene expression mechanisms underlying riboflavin-mediated stress tolerance and highlights a potential application of exogenous riboflavin as a strategy for improving crop plasticity and adaptation in the face of environmental challenges.