Non-targeted metabolomics and transcriptomics reveal mechanisms of metabolic differences among roots, stems, and leaves of Cudrania tricuspidata caryophyllata

Abstract

Background Cudrania tricuspidata is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb with a long history of application, and has a variety of active ingredients and pharmacological effects. In order to expand the source of new drugs, we analysed the metabolomic and transcriptomic profiles of different tissues of Cudrania. The genetic basis for the accumulation of active ingredients was analysed, providing a theoretical basis for high-quality cultivation of Cudrania. Results We detected a total of 1254 metabolites from the three tissues of Cudrania roots, stems, and leaves, and all metabolites were annotated and classified into eight categories by the KEGG database: steroids, lipids, antibiotics, vitamins and cofactors, nucleic acids, peptides, carbohydrates, and organic acids. Flavonoid-rich roots and stems of Cudrania were significantly different from the transcripts of leaves. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses revealed that the differential genes were mainly enriched in Photosynthesis - antenna proteins, Zeatin biosynthesis, Flavone and flavonol biosynthesis, Monoterpenoid biosynthesis pathway. The expression of flavonoid and flavonol biosynthesis-related genes was significantly up-regulated in roots and stems. From the perspective of the differences in metabolites among roots, stems and leaves of Cudrania, it can provide a basis for revealing the material basis of the differences in medicinal properties and efficacy of different parts. Conclusion These results indicate that Cudrania is a promising medicinal plant and provide important information for the identification of differential metabolites and major metabolic pathways among different parts of Cudrania, as well as a theoretical reference for the effective use of Cudrania resources.