Comprehensive Quantification of (Poly)phenols in Lotus japonicus with and without Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Symbiosis

In the present study, a highly specific, accurate, and
robust ultrahigh-performance
liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC–MS/MS)
method for the simultaneous quantification of 50 plant (poly)phenol
analytes was developed and validated to assess the effect of arbuscular
mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis on the (poly)phenolic content of the model
legume Lotus japonicus (L. japonicus). Determination of molar concentrations
of analytes in roots and shoots of wild-type and AM mutant L. japonicus (with and without AM symbiosis, respectively)
revealed an overall increase in (poly)phenols in mycorrhizal plants.
Time-course observation over 10 weeks showed a shift in (poly)phenol
concentrations, especially in the roots. In total, 13 analytes were
notably more abundant in young AM roots, suggesting a potential role
in symbiosis initiation. An accumulation of various (poly)phenols
at later stages of symbiosis might indicate a potential involvement
in arbuscule degradation or AM autoregulation.