Jasmonate signaling and prey nutrient availability trigger distinct biochemical responses in the Drosera capensis feeding cycle

Abstract

The Cape sundew (Drosera capensis) is a carnivorous plant native to South Africa. Central to its prey capture and digestive processes is a complex array of biochemical processes that trigger the production of enzymes and small molecules. These processes are in part activated by the release of jasmonic acid, a plant defense hormone repurposed as a prey detection signal. Here, we use RNASeq and untargeted metabolomics to study the response of D. capensis to feeding stimuli. We confirm the expression of genes encoding digestive proteins predicted in prior genomic work and show up- and down-regulation for a number of enzyme classes in response to jasmonic acid. Metabolomics experiments indicate that many small molecules produced during feeding depend on specific nutrient inputs from prey (and not merely a jasmonic acid stimulus). These results shed light on the molecular basis of plant carnivory and the recruitment of existing biochemical pathways to perform specialized functions in Caryophyllales carnivorous plants.