Jasmonic Acid: A Versatile Phytohormone Regulating Growth, Physiology, and Biochemical Responses

Phytohormones are the key regulators of plant growth, development, and responses to environmental stressors. Among these, jasmonates (JAs) are particularly crucial, derived mainly from α-linolenic acid (α-LA). JAs govern various physiological processes like seed germination, root elongation, and apical hook formation, while also influencing secondary metabolite production and defense mechanisms. Interacting with enzymes, genes, and other growth regulators, JAs modulate intricate signaling pathways, activating metabolic responses in both normal and stressed conditions. Transcription factors such as MYB, WRKY, basic Helix-Loop-Helix (bHLH), and APETALA2/JA-responsive ethylene response factor (AP2/ERF) are central components to JA signaling pathways, impacting the synthesis of bioactive compounds of therapeutic potential. Additionally, JAs act as chemical elicitors, promoting secondary metabolite production in vitro, leveraging advancements in plant cell and tissue culture techniques. In this regard, the present review offers a comprehensive discussion on diverse roles of JAs in plant physiology and biochemistry, including its biosynthesis, and suggests strategies for large-scale bioactive compound production via plant cell and tissue culture methods.