Exploring
new herbicide targets based on natural product derivatives
is an important research aspect for the generation of innovative pesticides.
Ferulic acid ethyl ester (FAEE), a natural product derivative from
ferulic acid, has significant herbicidal activity mainly by inhibiting
the normal growth of weed seedling roots. However, the FAEE target
protein underlying its herbicidal activity has not been identified.
In this study, we synthesized an FAEE probe to locate its site of
action. We discovered that FAEE entry point was via the root tips.
Fourteen major binding proteins were identified using Drug affinity
responsive target stability (DARTS) combined with LC-MS/MS, which
included 3-ketoacyl-acyl carrier protein synthase I (KAS I) and phenylalanine
ammonia-lyase I (PAL I). The KAS I and PAL I proteins/genes expression
was changed significantly after exposure to FAEE, as evidenced by
combined transcriptomic and proteomic analysis. A molecular docking
assay indicated that KAS I and FAEE had a strong binding ability.
Combined with previous studies on FAEE mechanism of action, and based
on our results, we conclude that FAEE targeting KAS I lead to the
blockage of the fatty acid synthesis pathway and result in plant death.