Bioinformatics analysis of endophytic bacteria related to berberine in the Chinese medicinal plant Wall.

Endophytic microorganisms absorb nutrients and prevent pathogen damage, supporting healthy plant growth. However, the relationship between endophytic bacteria and berberine synthesis in the medicinal plant Wall. remains unclear. Herein, we explored the community composition of endophytic bacteria related to berberine in roots, stems, and leaves of wild-type and cultivated . Endophytic bacterial communities were analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing, and berberine content in roots was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography. Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Bacteroidetes were the major phyla, and , , , , and were the dominant genera in root, stem, and leaf tissues. Root berberine content was positively correlated with total N, total P, total K, and available K in rhizosphere soil. In addition, root berberine content was positively correlated with and , whereas soil total K was positively correlated with and in roots. Our results demonstrated a clear correlation between dominant endophytic bacteria and berberine synthesis in . The findings are useful for the promotion of berberine production in via manipulation of endophytic bacteria.