Multi-Omics and Functional Insights into Triterpenoid Biosynthesis Pathways in <i>Neopicrorhiza scrophulariiflora</i> (Pennell) D.Y.Hong

<i>Neopicrorhiza scrophulariiflora</i> (Pennell) D.Y.Hong, an endangered perennial herb, is rich in triterpenes, iridoids, and phenolic compounds, which exhibit significant pharmacological effects. However, the molecular mechanisms of triterpenoid biosynthesis in <i>N. scrophularii...

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Main Authors: Pinhan Zhou, Juan Wang, Chaohui Li, Lesong Li, Luyuan Duan, Weihao Wang, Xirui Liu, Khadija Tehseen Arshad, Yanli Liang, Yan Zhao
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-05-01
Series:Plants
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2223-7747/14/10/1562
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Summary:<i>Neopicrorhiza scrophulariiflora</i> (Pennell) D.Y.Hong, an endangered perennial herb, is rich in triterpenes, iridoids, and phenolic compounds, which exhibit significant pharmacological effects. However, the molecular mechanisms of triterpenoid biosynthesis in <i>N. scrophulariiflora</i> remain unclear. Here, transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses were performed to investigate the triterpene content in different tissues and the expression patterns of key enzyme-encoding genes related to triterpenoid biosynthesis. We functionally characterized eight upstream oxidosqualene cyclases (OSCs) involved in triterpenoid biosynthesis, among which NsOSC2 is a bifunctional enzyme capable of catalyzing the conversion of 2,3-oxidosqualene to <i>β</i>-amyrin and <i>α</i>-amyrin. Additionally, an efficient regeneration system and a stable genetic transformation system were established for <i>N. scrophulariiflora</i>. These findings reveal key genes in triterpenoid biosynthesis, providing a theoretical foundation for the future production of key triterpenoids in <i>N. scrophulariiflora</i> through synthetic biology approaches.
ISSN:2223-7747