Melatonin in plant morphogenesis and development

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Melatonin is best known as a pineal hormone which primarily signals darkness but also regulates a number of neurological and physiological functions in human and other vertebrates. Interest in plant melatonin is growing rapidly due to potential health benefits in the prevention of neurological disorders, cancer, and many age-related conditions. The occurrence of melatonin in plants has been reported recently, but its role in plant development is not yet understood. Research in this laboratory has shown that melatonin is present in a range of plant species and that its existence is associated with morphogenesis and plant development both in natural and controlled growth environments. The responses which were found closely linked with endogenous levels of melatonin and its precursor serotonin included high regenerative capacities, flower and seed formation, and adaptation of plants to cold stress. These observations led to the hypothesis that various morphogenetic and developmental processes in plants are induced by hormonal or environmental stresses and are further mediated by melatonin induced cascade of regulatory signals. The proposed research program is focused on elucidation of the physiological, biochemical, and molecular basis of the mechanisms of action of melatonin at the cellular, organ, and whole plant levels. Specific research aspects will include analysis of melatonin and its metabolites under stress imposed by growth regulators and high or low temperatures and development of plants with high antioxidant activity as well as low and high endogenous melatonin content. This research model represents a novel approach to understand the role of melatonin in the regulation of plant morphogenesis and has significant potential for developing a model to generate temperature-tolerant plants. Also, due to multiple health benefits of melatonin, melatonin-rich plants may provide novel natural health products for the Canadian and international market.