Comparative transcriptome analysis of different tissues of provides new insights into the biosynthesis pathway of triterpenoid saponins.

Triterpenoid saponins are one of the main activities of roots and rhizomes of , with various pharmacological activities such as antibacterial, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory. To elucidate the biosynthesis pathway of triterpenoid saponins in , DNA nanoball sequencing technology was used to analyze the transcriptome of leaves, roots, and stems of . Out of a total of 99,404 unigenes, 78,989 unigenes were annotated by seven major databases; 49 unigenes encoded 11 key enzymes in the biosynthesis pathway of triterpenoid saponins. Nine transcription factors were found to be involved in the metabolism of terpenoids and polyketides in . and a spatial structure model of squalene synthase in triterpenoid saponin biosynthesis was established. This study greatly enriched the transcriptome data of , which is helpful for further analysis of the functions and regulatory mechanisms of key enzymes in the biosynthesis pathway of triterpenoid saponins.