Shang Huiying, Lu Yuan, Xun Lulu, Wang Kun, Li Bin, Liu Yuxuan, Ma Tao
Xi'an Botanical Garden of Shaanxi Province (Institute of Botany of Shaanxi Province), Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
School of Ecology and Environment, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, China.
Front Plant Sci. 2024 Sep 5;15:1414636. doi: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1414636. eCollection 2024.
, a medicinal plant renowned for producing cepharanthine, has gained significance due to the compound's notable antiviral properties against SARS-CoV-2. However, a comprehensive genetic understanding of S. longa has been lacking. This study aimed to develop a high-quality, chromosome-level genome assembly to uncover the genetic intricacies and evolutionary narrative of this species. By integrating genomic data with metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses, we sought to identify key genes involved in cepharanthine biosynthesis.
We employed a multi-faceted approach comprising genome assembly, phylogenetic analysis, gene family dynamics investigation, metabolomic profiling, and gene expression analysis across various tissues of . This integrated strategy enabled the identification of key genes involved in cepharanthine biosynthesis and elucidated the species' evolutionary history.
Our phylogenetic analysis clarified the placement of the genus within the Ranunculales order and revealed its notably high mutation rate. We identified gene family expansions and signs of positive selection likely contributing to 's unique metabolic capabilities. Metabolomic profiling uncovered complex regulatory mechanisms orchestrating the biosynthesis and distribution of cepharanthine and related metabolites. Through the integration of genomic, transcriptomic, and metabolomic data, we identified genes with expression patterns and evolutionary trajectories suggesting pivotal roles in cepharanthine biosynthesis, including those involved in crucial biosynthetic steps.
This comprehensive study, integrating genomic, metabolomic, and transcriptomic approaches, provides valuable insights into S. longa's biosynthetic potential. It not only enhances our understanding of the species but also establishes a foundation for future investigations into the biosynthesis and therapeutic exploitation of cepharanthine and related alkaloids.
延胡索是一种以产生千金藤素而闻名的药用植物，由于该化合物对严重急性呼吸综合征冠状病毒2（SARS-CoV-2）具有显著的抗病毒特性而备受关注。然而，对延胡索的全面遗传理解一直缺乏。本研究旨在开发一个高质量的、染色体水平的基因组组装，以揭示该物种的遗传复杂性和进化历程。通过将基因组数据与代谢组学和转录组学分析相结合，我们试图鉴定参与千金藤素生物合成的关键基因。
我们采用了多方面的方法，包括基因组组装、系统发育分析、基因家族动态研究、代谢组学分析以及延胡索不同组织的基因表达分析。这种综合策略能够鉴定参与千金藤素生物合成的关键基因，并阐明该物种的进化历史。
我们的系统发育分析明确了延胡索属在毛茛目中的位置，并揭示了其显著较高的突变率。我们鉴定出基因家族的扩张以及可能有助于延胡索独特代谢能力的正选择迹象。代谢组学分析揭示了协调千金藤素及相关代谢物生物合成和分布的复杂调控机制。通过整合基因组、转录组和代谢组数据，我们鉴定出具有特定表达模式和进化轨迹的基因，这些基因在千金藤素生物合成中发挥关键作用，包括参与关键生物合成步骤的基因。
这项综合研究整合了基因组学、代谢组学和转录组学方法，为延胡索的生物合成潜力提供了有价值的见解。它不仅增进了我们对该物种的理解，也为未来对千金藤素及相关生物碱的生物合成和治疗开发研究奠定了基础。
