Integrated analysis of carotenoid metabolites and transcriptome identifies key genes controlling carotenoid compositions and content in sweetpotato tuberous roots (Ipomoea batatas L.)

Abstract

Sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas L.) with different depths of yellow color contains different compositions of carotenoids, which are beneficial for human health. In this study, we performed an integrated analysis of metabolomic and transcriptomic to identify key genes playing a major role in carotenoid coloration in sweetpotato tuberous roots. Herein, 14 carotenoids were identified in five sweetpotatoes. Orange-red and orange cultivars were dominated by β-carotene (385.33 μg/g and 85.07 μg/g), yellow cultivar had a high β-cryptoxanthin (11.23 μg/g), light-yellow cultivar was rich in zeaxanthin (5.12 μg/g), whereas lutein (3.34 μg/g) was the main carotenoid in white cultivar. Furthermore, 27 differentially expressed genes involved in carotenoid metabolism were identified based on comparative transcriptome. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis identified 15 transcription factors highly associated with carotenoid content in sweetpotatoes. These results provide valuable information for revealing the regulatory mechanism of carotenoid metabolism in different-colored sweetpotato tuberous roots.

Integrated metabolic and transcriptional analysis reveals the role of carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase 4 (IbCCD4) in carotenoid accumulation in sweetpotato tuberous roots

“…As high-value and health-promoting natural products, carotenoid contents and their compositions were well characterized in the tuberous roots of sweetpotato [28,[31][32][33][34]. However, there is a lack of data describing the dynamic changes in carotenoid profiles during different tuberous root developmental stages of sweetpotato varieties with different flesh colors.…”

“…UPLC-APCI-MS/MS analysis has shown that β-cryptoxanthin and β-carotene are the predominant carotenoids in yellow-fleshed sweetpotato "Baishu" and white-fleshed sweetpotato "shangshu19, " respectively [32]. UPLC-APCI-MS/MS analysis has also determined that β-cryptoxanthin and lutein are enriched in yellowfleshed sweetpotato "Jieshu 95-16" and white-fleshed sweetpotato "shangshu19, " respectively [31]. These inconsistent results from different studies could be related to variations in genetic inheritance, growing environments [36], and analytical methods.…”

“…Combined transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses have been used to identify genes associated with carotenoid content in the tuberous roots of sweetpotato [31,32]. A total of 15 transcription factors were identified to be possibly involved in the regulation of carotenoid accumulation [31].…”

“…Combined transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses have been used to identify genes associated with carotenoid content in the tuberous roots of sweetpotato [31,32]. A total of 15 transcription factors were identified to be possibly involved in the regulation of carotenoid accumulation [31]. The enzymes PSY, CHYB, ZEP, NCED3, ABA2 (xanthoxin dehydrogenase), and CYP707A (abscisic acid 8′-hydroxylase) are closely associated with carotenoid biosynthesis [32].…”

Exploration of Raw Pigmented-Fleshed Sweet Potatoes Volatile Organic Compounds and the Precursors

“…Sweet potato flesh appears white, yellow, orange, and purple in different colors due to the accumulation of pigment content. The diverse components and compositions of carotenoids contribute varying hues to yellow and orange sweet potatoes [3,4]. These varieties are highly advantageous for human health due to their elevated carotenoid content, which serves as a significant source of vitamin A [5,6].…”