Identification of Pueraria spp. through DNA barcoding and comparative transcriptomics

Abstract

Background Kudzu is a term used generically to describe members of the genus Pueraria. Kudzu roots have been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine in view of their high levels of beneficial isoflavones including the unique 8-C-glycoside of daidzein, puerarin. In the US, kudzu is seen as a noxious weed causing ecological and economic damage. However, not all kudzu species make puerarin or are equally invasive. Kudzu remains difficult to identify due to its diverse morphology and inconsistent nomenclature. Results We have generated sequences for the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) and maturase K (matK) regions of Pueraria montana lobata, P. montana montana, and P. phaseoloides, and identified two accessions previously used for differential analysis of puerarin biosynthesis as P. lobata and P. phaseoloides. Additionally, we have generated root transcriptomes for the puerarin-producing P. m. lobata and the non-puerarin producing P. phaseoloides. Within the transcriptomes, microsatellites were identified to aid in species identification as well as population diversity. Conclusions The barcode sequences generated will aid in fast and efficient identification of the three kudzu species. Additionally, the microsatellites identified from the transcriptomes will aid in genetic analysis. The root transcriptomes also provide a molecular toolkit for comparative gene expression analysis towards elucidation of the biosynthesis of kudzu phytochemicals.

Chromosome-level and graphic genomes provide insights into metabolism of bioactive metabolites and cold-adaption of Pueraria lobata var. montana

“…Nevertheless, P. montana barely has puerarin, resulting in less nutritional and medicinal values. 7 It was reported the contents of amino acids and sugars contributing to nutritional values and flavonoids, isoflavones and phenolic acids contributing to medicinal values, are significantly higher in P. thomsonii than that in P. montana . 8 …”

Endorsement and phylogenetic analysis of some Fabaceae plants based on DNA barcoding

“…As a result, we suggest MatK as a potential barcode sequence in the Fabaceae family, as well as a wider range of plant species. Utilizing MatK as a DNA barcode would extend our knowledge of phylogenetics and population genetics in Fabaceae species as reviewed by [42][43][44][45]. We also recommend that MatK be used as a DNA barcode sequence to overcome difficulties in Fabaceae genus and species categorization [44,46].…”

“…Utilizing MatK as a DNA barcode would extend our knowledge of phylogenetics and population genetics in Fabaceae species as reviewed by [42][43][44][45]. We also recommend that MatK be used as a DNA barcode sequence to overcome difficulties in Fabaceae genus and species categorization [44,46]. MatK might serve as a starting point for quality control and assurance of plant materials utilized in research, manufacturing, customs, and forensics.…”

Evaluation of pathways to the C‐glycosyl isoflavone puerarin in roots of kudzu (Pueraria montana lobata)

“…The morphology of these plants can be very different. However, characteristics such as leaf morphology can also vary on the same plant (Adolfo et al, 2022; Sun et al, 2005; Van der Maesen, 2002). Only P. lobata , sometimes referred to as P. montana lobata in the literature, produces a high content of puerarin in the roots (EPPO, 2007; Van der Maesen, 2002).…”