AUTHOR=Liu Dafeng , Li Na , Deng Huashui , Song Daoqi , Maimaiti Minawaier , Nuerbieke Ayidana , Yekepeng Mingtai , Aili Kailibinuer 

TITLE=Structural and functional insights into NAD(P)H-quinone oxidoreductases in lavender: implications for abiotic stress tolerance and essential oil production

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Plant Science

VOLUME=Volume 16 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/plant-science/articles/10.3389/fpls.2025.1661227

DOI=10.3389/fpls.2025.1661227

ISSN=1664-462X

ABSTRACT=Lavender essential oils (EOs) are economically valuable, with biosynthesis linked to photosynthesis. NAD(P)H-quinone oxidoreductases (NDHs) play a crucial role in regulating photosynthetic processes. To better understand the functional roles and mechanisms of NDHs, we investigated Lavandula angustifolia NDHs (LaNDHs) using AlphaFold2 for structural prediction and RT-qPCR for expression analysis. Gene LaNDHs showed highest expression in leaves compared to other tissues (stems, roots and flowers), with upregulation under cadmium ion, heat, salt, and blue light. These findings suggest LaNDHs enhance stress tolerance and photosynthesis, offering potential for improving EO yield.