Alpha-Linolenic Acid Content and Expression of KASII and FAD3 in Perilla Seeds Correlated Cultivated Areas of Northern Thailand

Perilla frutescens is commonly used as an n-3-fatty acid source for people living in Northern Thailand. However, cultivated areas are limited because it apparently requires specific growth conditions. Our results suggested that perilla seeds grown in higher altitude in Maehongson province contained more ALA contents than seeds collected from Chiangrai and Nan province. Furthermore, mass spectrometry (MS) proteomic and gene expression analysis revealed that the increase of KASII and FAD3 proteins associated with the mRNA expression and the ALA production. Predictive bioinformatics analysis demonstrated two important transcription factor binding sites, AP2 and B3, which responsible for KASII and FAD3 genes, respectively. The AP2 and B3 transcription factor families were known to be responsible for abiotic stress such as drought and temperature changes. In conclusion, high production of ALA by perilla apparently relies on the altitudes. Moreover, plant responses to abiotic stress environments contribute to the increase of KASII and FAD3 gene and protein expression. However, responsive transcription factors will be further studied for a proof of concept and additionally improving the growing methods in order to increase perilla productivity.