The effects of chronic gamma irradiation on oxidative stress response and the expression of anthocyanin biosynthesis-related genes in wheat (Triticum aestivum)

Purpose: To investigate the mechanisms of adaptation and tolerance to ionizing radiation using chronic radiation in wheat.

Materials and methods: We exposed wheat plants to chronic gamma irradiation (50 Gy) for 2, 4, and 6 weeks and measured various biological parameters.

Results: Plant height was reduced by exposure to gamma irradiation; this effect increased with increasing exposure time. Photosynthetic pigment levels decreased with increasing exposure time, while anthocyanin levels significantly increased after exposure to gamma rays. The activities of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase [SOD], ascorbate peroxidase [APX], catalase [CAT], and peroxidase [POD]) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels increased with increasing duration of exposure to gamma irradiation. Electron spin resonance (ESR) signals were strongly detected in wheat that was gamma-irradiated for two weeks and then gradually decreased with increasing exposure time. The expression of anthocyanin biosynthesis genes (flavanone 3-hydroxylase [F3H], dihydroflavonol reductase [DFR], anthocyanin reductase [ANS], and UDPG-flavonoid glucosyl transferase [UFGT]) and sugar contents increased after exposure to gamma rays.

Conclusions: This suggests that exposure to ionizing radiation according to increase of exposure time has led to efficient induction of anthocyanin and antioxidant enzyme activities. This study indicates that reactive oxygen species (ROS) is eliminated by biosynthesis of anthocyanin and antioxidant enzymes. This study helps elucidate the biological effects of various durations of low-dose exposure to chronic gamma radiation in wheat plants.