Transcriptome and Metabolome Analyses of Codonopsis convolvulacea Kurz Tuber, Stem, and Leaf Reveal the Presence of Important Metabolites and Key Pathways Controlling Their Biosynthesis

Abstract

Codonopsisconvolvulacea Kurz. var. vinciflora (Kom.) L.T. Shen is a member of Campanulaceae, which is used in traditional Chinese medicine. However, apart from a few Codonopsis species, no detailed knowledge is available on the metabolite composition and respective transcriptome signatures. We performed a combined transcriptome and metabolome analysis of the tuber, stem, and leaf of C. convolvulacea and found 1,144 metabolites and 231,840 unigenes in three experimental groups. The analysis revealed considerable variations in the three tissues. Tubers were rich in amino acids and derivatives, flavonoids, and organic acids, whereas the stems and leaves were rich in alkaloids and flavonoids, respectively. Transcriptome sequencing revealed candidate genes being involved in flavonoid, tryptophan, and alkaloid biosyntheses. In particular, we indicated that the variation in the isoflavone content is linked to the expressions of CHI, CYP73A, C3′H, F3H, CYP75B1, anthocyanidin synthase, and FLS. In a similar way, the levels of indole, L-tyrosine, and tryptamine were also consistent with the expressions of TDC/DDCs in the respective tissues. In addition, the expression levels of ASP5, ARO8, GOT, and AOC3 indicated that L-tryptophan is being converted to downstream metabolites. Overall, our datasets present a useful resource for future research on the uses of this medicinal plant and put forward many research questions.

Integrated Transcriptomic and Metabolomic Analyses Reveal the Effects of Grafting on Special Metabolites of Acanthopanax senticosus Leaves

“…L.T. Shen than its tuber due to the high expression of FLS, CYP75B1 and the aforementioned upstream genes [ 40 ]. Functional identification of CYP75B1 in Camellia sinensis suggested the role in the biosynthesis of flavonoids [ 41 ].…”

Joint GWAS and WGCNA Identify Genes Regulating the Isoflavone Content in Soybean Seeds

“…15,16 Glucoside and naringin formation from pcoumarin-CoA is catalyzed by chalcone synthase (CHS), chalcone reductase (CHR), and chalcone isomerase (CHI), thereby promoting isoflavone synthesis. 17,18 Due to isoflavone production and competition with other flavonoids, increasing the isoflavone synthase (IFS) activity or decreasing flavone 3′hydroxylase (F3H) activity effectively promotes isoflavone synthesis and accumulation. 19,20 Interestingly, the intermediate of prephenate produces tyrosine in addition to phenylalanine.…”

Editorial: Plant secondary metabolites and their effects on environmental adaptation based on functional genomics

“…Secondary metabolites are organic compounds produced by plants that are not directly involved in growth, development, or reproduction, but play important roles in adaptation to the environment ( Hu et al, 2018 ). These compounds have diverse chemical structures and biological functions, such as defense against herbivores and pathogens, the attraction of pollinators, and regulation of growth and development ( Moore et al, 2014 ; Yuan et al, 2022 ). Understanding the genetic basis of secondary metabolite biosynthesis and their ecological functions is crucial for developing sustainable agriculture and protecting natural ecosystems ( AbdAlla et al, 2023 ).…”

“…Recent advances in functional genomics have enabled researchers to identify and characterize the genes and enzymes involved in secondary metabolite biosynthesis in various plant species ( Meng et al, 2023 ). Modern analytical tools such as transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics have been used to identify the genes that are upregulated in response to environmental stresses, however, a mechanistic understanding of the stress response is still emerging ( Khodavirdipour et al, 2022 ; Wei et al, 2022 ; Yuan et al, 2022 ). The number of novel variations is expected to increase as biotechnology and genome/transcriptome sequencing technologies progress, and how to identify and use functional genes in enhancing tolerance is of paramount importance both now and in the future ( Liu et al, 2022 ; Niu et al, 2022 ; Meng et al, 2023 ).…”