Genome-wide methylation, transcriptome and characteristic metabolites reveal the balance between diosgenin and brassinosteroids in Dioscorea zingiberensis

Abstract

Diosgenin (DG) is a bioactive metabolite isolated from Dioscorea species, renowned for its medicinal properties. Brassinosteroids (BRs) are a class of crucial plant steroidal hormones. Cholesterol and campesterol are important intermediates of DG and BRs biosynthesis, respectively. DG and BRs are structurally similar components, however, the regulatory network and metabolic interplays have not been fully elucidated. In an effort to decode these complex networks, we conducted a comprehensive study integrating genome-wide methylation, transcriptome and characteristic metabolites data from Dioscorea zingiberensis. Leveraging these data, we were able to construct a comprehensive regulatory network linking DG and BRs. Mass spectrometry results enabled us to clarify the alterations in cholesterol, campesterol, diosgenin and castasterone (one of the major active BRs). The DG content decreased by 27.72% at 6 h following brassinolide treatment, whereas the content increased by 85.34% at 6 h after brassinazole treatment. Moreover, we pinpointed DG/BR-related genes, such as CASs, CYP90s and B3-ARFs, implicated in the metabolic pathways of DG and BRs. Moreover, CASs and CYP90s exhibit hypomethylation, which is closely related to their high transcription. These findings provide robust evidence for the homeostasis between DG and BRs. In conclusion, our research revealed the existence of a balance between DG and BRs in D. zingiberensis. Furthermore, our work not only provides new insights into the relationship between the two pathways but also offers a fresh perspective on the functions of secondary metabolites.