Evaluación de la expresión génica de Hylocereus megalanthus (Pitahaya Amarilla) bajo condiciones de estrés por Metil Jasmonato (MeJa)

Abstract

Yellow pitaya (Hylocereus megalanthus) is a crop of increasing agricultural and commercial importance; however, the molecular information available on its defense mechanisms under stress conditions remains limited. This study evaluated the gene expression response of Hylocereus megalanthus using methyl jasmonate as an elicitor to simulate stress signals that the plant may experience in its environment in response to biotic factors. In vitro plants were treated with methyl jasmonate at a concentration of five hundred micromolar and analyzed at different exposure times (0, 4, 24, 48, 72) hours. The experimental approach included RNA extraction using TRI Reagent, complementary DNA (cDNA) synthesis, in silico identification of candidate genes associated with plant defense, preliminary primer validation through conventional PCR and electrophoresis, and relative expression analysis by RT qPCR using PowerUp SYBR Green Master Mix. During the treatment period, the plants did not show visible morphological alterations, which allowed the recovery of viable plant material for molecular analysis. RNA extraction and complementary DNA synthesis produced sufficient concentration for subsequent analyses, although variations among samples were observed. During preliminary validation, the reference genes Actin and EF1 alpha showed visible amplification, as did the candidate genes MYB, NAC, and APE. Subsequently, normalization with Actin allowed a clearer interpretation of relative expression, with MYB and APE showing the most consistent responses to the treatment. These findings provide useful information for understanding molecular defense responses in yellow pitaya and suggest MYB and APE as genes of interest for future biotechnological studies.