Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses reveal the differential accumulation of phenylpropanoids and terpenoids in hemp autotetraploid and its diploid progenitor

Abstract

Background Cannabis sativa, a dioecious plant that has been cultivated worldwide for thousands of years, is known for its secondary metabolites, especially cannabinoids, which possess several medicinal effects. In this study, we investigated the autopolyploidization effects on the biosynthesis and accumulation of these metabolites, transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses were performed to explore the gene expression and metabolic variations in industrial hemp autotetraploids and their diploid progenitors. Results Through these analyses, we obtained 1,663 differentially expressed metabolites and 1,103 differentially expressed genes. Integrative analysis revealed that phenylpropanoid and terpenoid biosynthesis were regulated by polyploidization. No substantial differences were found in the cannabidiol or tetrahydrocannabinol content between tetraploids and diploids. Following polyploidization, some transcription factors, including nine bHLH and eight MYB transcription factors, affected the metabolic biosynthesis as regulators. Additionally, several pivotal catalytic genes, such as flavonol synthase/flavanone 3-hydroxylase, related to the phenylpropanoid metabolic pathway, were identified as being modulated by polyploidization. Conclusions This study enhances the overall understanding of the impact of autopolyploidization in C. sativa and the findings may encourage the application of polyploid breeding for increasing the content of important secondary metabolites in industrial hemp.

Exploration and Characterization of Host Trees and Orchid Epiphyte Zones in Lore Lindu National Park, Central Sulawesi

“…Some reports, as described by Pitopang (2012), indicate the presence of various epiphytic orchid species and their unique habitats. Human activities, such as forest conversion to plantation areas and encroachment, pose a severe threat to the sustainability of these habitats and the native orchid populations (Assédé et al 2018;Pitopang and Ramawangsa 2016;Tang et al 2023). Approximately 25,000 epiphytic orchid species, with 70% residing on host trees (phorophytes), require specific conditions for survival, such as optimal light and air circulation (Wagner et al 2015).…”