Integrated metabolomics and transcriptomics analysis comprehensively revealed the underlying metabolite mechanism difference between Male and Female Eucommia ulmoides Oliver.

BACKGROUND

Eucommia ulmoides Oliver is a dioecious plant with great economic value, but the underlying metabolite mechanism difference between male and female E. ulmoides remain poorly understood.

RESULTS

In this study, we integrated a dual-platform metabolomics approach with transcriptomics to systematically analyze differences in metabolite and gene expression in the cortex and leaves of male and female E. ulmoides. As a result, 1,452 metabolites (603 volatile, 849 non-volatile) were characterized, and 156 and 129 differentially accumulated metabolites were identified in FEC vs. MEC and FEF vs. MEF, respectively. The expression of key genes (PLA2G4, DOXs, LOX2S, and CEQORH) involved in alpha-linolenic acid metabolism was significantly altered in MEC. Similarly, the expression of key genes (CHS, FLS, DFR, and ANR) involved in flavonoid biosynthesis was significantly altered in MEF.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings shed light on the metabolite mechanism behind the metabolic differences between male and female E. ulmoides and contribute to the exploration of value utilization.