An integration of physiology, transcriptomics, and proteomics reveals carbon and nitrogen metabolism responses in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) exposed to titanium dioxide nanoparticles.

Nanoparticle (NP) pollution has negative impacts and is a major global environmental problem. However, the molecular response of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) to titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO 2 NPs) is limited. Herein, the dual effects of TiO 2 NPs (0–1000 mg L−1) on carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) metabolisms in alfalfa were investigated. The results showed that 500 mg L−1 TiO 2 NPs (Ti-500) had the highest phytotoxicity in the C/N metabolizing enzymes; and it significantly increased total soluble sugar, starch, sucrose, and sucrose‐phosphate synthase. Furthermore, obvious photosynthesis responses were found in alfalfa exposed to Ti-500. By contrast, 100 mg L−1 TiO 2 NPs (Ti-100) enhanced N metabolizing enzymes. RNA-seq analyses showed 4265 and 2121 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in Ti-100 and Ti-500, respectively. A total of 904 and 844 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified in Ti-100 and Ti-500, respectively. Through the physiological, transcriptional, and proteomic analyses, the DEGs and DEPs related to C/N metabolism, photosynthesis, chlorophyll synthesis, starch and sucrose metabolism, and C fixation in photosynthetic organisms were observed. Overall, TiO 2 NPs at low doses improve photosynthesis and C/N regulation, but high doses can cause toxicity. It is valuable for the safe application of NPs in agriculture. [Display omitted] • The-affected metabolic pathways were carbon/nitrogen metabolism and photosynthesis. • Ti-500 resulted in phytotoxicity on photosynthesis in leaves. • TiO 2 NPs dose-dependently affected carbon and nitrogen metabolism in alfalfa. • TiO 2 NPs interfered with starch and sucrose metabolism and chlorophyll synthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]