Kadsura coccinea Lignan Metabolism Based on Metabolome and Transcriptome Analysis

Abstract

Kadsura coccinea is an important resource of traditional Chinese medicine. We find out the gene information of enzymes related to lignan biosynthesis and metabolism of Kadsura coccinea, so as to provide a scientific basis for the breeding of new varieties of Kadsura coccinea. In this paper, 2-year-old Kadsura coccinea from Hunan Kadsura coccinea provincial germplasm resource bank was used as the material and its root, stem, and leaf were analyzed by extensive targeted metabolomics combined with transcriptome sequencing. The results showed the following: (1) 51 lignans were detected by metabolome analysis, and the content of lignans in roots was higher than that in stems and leaves. The high content of lignans in roots, stems, and leaves includes ring-opening isolarch phenol-4-o-glucoside, narrow leaf schisandrin E, and schisandrin B. (2) After transcriptome sequencing, 13 classes of 137 Unigenes related to lignan biosynthesis pathway were retrieved. The analysis of differential genes in different parts showed that the overall expression amount and species of Kadsura coccinea lignan synthase gene in stems and leaves were closer than those in roots. CCoAOMT, C3H, and SIDR gene families are mainly expressed in roots and stems. (3) Metabolome combined with transcriptome analysis further screened these genes and obtained 11 genes of enzyme gene families such as HCT, DIR, COMT, CAD, SIDR, and PLR, which are highly correlated in lignan synthesis. Therefore, there are many lignans and their synthase-related genes in Kadsura coccinea roots, stems, and leaves, but the content and expression of different lignans and their synthase-related genes are quite different in each part. In this study, the gene information of the Kadsura coccinea lignan biosynthesis enzyme was obtained for the first time, which laid a good foundation for the cloning and molecular breeding of the key enzyme gene of lignan biosynthesis.

Transcriptomic Insights and Cytochrome P450 Gene Analysis in Kadsura coccinea for Lignan Biosynthesis

“…This finding is complemented by the work of Liu and Li [ 31 ], who isolated lignans from the seeds of the plant, indicating their widespread distribution, albeit without a direct comparison to root concentrations. Additionally, Fang et al [ 32 ] corroborated the presence of lignans in the roots, aligning with the observations made by Liang et al [ 30 ]. In this context, we use transcriptome analysis—a basic method of plant functional genomics—to focus on the study of lignan-rich tissues and organs, systematically screen and identify all CYP genes, and reveal the different distribution of these genes in different clans, with special emphasis on clans that are indispensable for lignan biosynthesis.…”

“…In K. coccinea , a non-model plant with no complete genome database, the genetic background and biosynthetic pathway of dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans are unclear. Our study focused on the roots, which have a high lignan content [ 30 , 53 ], and identified 62 genes with high or specific expression in roots as candidate CYPs for lignan synthesis. Phylogenetic analysis with reported CYPs involved in lignan synthesis revealed that six homologous genes of CYP719As and one homologous gene of CYP81Qs were highly expressed in roots, suggesting their role in forming methylenedioxy bridges in lignans like gomisin A, schisandrin B, and schisandrin C. Recent studies, such as those by Chen et al [ 54 ] and Qiang et al [ 55 ], have furthered our understanding of dibenzocyclooctadiene lignan biosynthesis in S. chinensis , identifying candidate genes and characterizing key enzymes.…”

“…Previous studies on the accumulation sites of lignans have been conducted. Liang et al [ 30 ] conducted an in-depth metabolomic and transcriptomic analysis, uncovering a pronounced presence of lignans in the root tissues. This finding is complemented by the work of Liu and Li [ 31 ], who isolated lignans from the seeds of the plant, indicating their widespread distribution, albeit without a direct comparison to root concentrations.…”

Seed Dormancy Characteristics of Kadsura coccinea (Lem.) A. C. Smith, a Unique Medicinal Plant in Southeast Asia

“…A. C. Smith is an evergreen woody vine plant belonging to Kadsura genus of the Schisandraceae family [1], naturally distributed in Southeast Asian countries [2,3]. K. coccinea is an important tree species of non-timber forest with a wide range of economic uses [4]. Its roots and rattan stems are traditional Chinese medicinal materials, as they promote blood circulation, reduce swelling, and relieve pain [5].…”