Abstract:The secondary metabolites present in medicinal orchids are diverse and possess a vast array of biological activities. They represent valuable raw materials for modern pharmaceuticals and clinical medicine and have tremendous potential for future development. A systematic collation of secondary metabolites’ composition and a summary of the biological activities of medicinal orchids represent a crucial step in unlocking the potential of these valuable resources in drug development. Furthermore, such information … Show more
Militarine is a monomer molecule with abundant and distinctive biological properties, also the lead member of secondary metabolites in Bletilla striata, while its biosynthesis mechanism is still unknown. To improve the production efficiency of militarine, sodium acetate and salicylic acid (SA) were introduced as elicitors into the suspension-cultured callus of B. striata. Subsequently, samples were taken from callus at different culturing stages to investigate the synthesis mechanisms of militarine in B. striata through integrated metabolomics and transcriptomics. Metabolomics analysis revealed that acetate ions promoted militarine synthesis, while SA had an inhibitory effect. Additionally, regulators such as ferulic acid, 2-hydroxy-3-phenylpropionic acid, and cis-beta-D-Glucosyl-2-hydroxycinnamate were identified as influencing militarine synthesis. Transcriptomics analysis indicated that the expression levels of genes involved in phenylalanine metabolism, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, and tyrosine metabolism were correlated with militarine content. This study sheds light on the regulatory mechanism of militarine biosynthesis in plants. The results suggested that acetate ions and SA impact militarine synthesis through specific metabolic pathways and gene expression changes. This knowledge serves as a foundation for future research on militarine biosynthesis and its industrial production.
Militarine is a monomer molecule with abundant and distinctive biological properties, also the lead member of secondary metabolites in Bletilla striata, while its biosynthesis mechanism is still unknown. To improve the production efficiency of militarine, sodium acetate and salicylic acid (SA) were introduced as elicitors into the suspension-cultured callus of B. striata. Subsequently, samples were taken from callus at different culturing stages to investigate the synthesis mechanisms of militarine in B. striata through integrated metabolomics and transcriptomics. Metabolomics analysis revealed that acetate ions promoted militarine synthesis, while SA had an inhibitory effect. Additionally, regulators such as ferulic acid, 2-hydroxy-3-phenylpropionic acid, and cis-beta-D-Glucosyl-2-hydroxycinnamate were identified as influencing militarine synthesis. Transcriptomics analysis indicated that the expression levels of genes involved in phenylalanine metabolism, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, and tyrosine metabolism were correlated with militarine content. This study sheds light on the regulatory mechanism of militarine biosynthesis in plants. The results suggested that acetate ions and SA impact militarine synthesis through specific metabolic pathways and gene expression changes. This knowledge serves as a foundation for future research on militarine biosynthesis and its industrial production.
Dendrobium species, which are perennial herbs widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions, are notable for their therapeutic properties attributed to various bioactive compounds, including dendrobine-type sesquiterpenoid alkaloids (DTSAs). The objective of this review article is to provide a comprehensive overview of recent advances in the biosynthesis of DTSAs, including their extraction from Dendrobium species and endophytes, elucidation of associated genes through genomic and transcriptomic sequencing in both Dendrobium spp. and endophytes, exploration of the biosynthetic pathways of DTSAs, and drawing conclusions and outlining future perspectives in this field. Alkaloids, predominantly nitrogen-containing compounds found in medicinal orchids, include over 140 types discovered across more than 50 species. DTSAs, identified in 37 picrotoxane alkaloids, have a distinctive five-membered nitrogen heterocyclic ring. This review highlights endophytic fungi as alternative sources of DTSAs, emphasizing their potential in pharmaceutical applications when plant-derived compounds are scarce or complex. Genomic and transcriptomic sequencing of Dendrobium spp. and their endophytes has identified key genes involved in DTSAs biosynthesis, elucidating pathways such as the mevalonate (MVA) and 2-C-methyl-D-erythritol 4-phosphate (MEP) pathways. Genes encoding enzymes, such as acetyl-CoA C-acetyltransferase and diphosphomevalonate decarboxylase, are positively associated with dendrobine production. Despite significant advancements, the complexity of terpenoid biosynthesis in different subcellular compartments remains a challenge. Future research should focus on leveraging high-quality genomic data and omics technologies to further understand and manipulate the biosynthetic pathways of DTSAs and enhance their medicinal use.
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