Analysis of metabolic differences in Tibetan medicinal plant Phlomoides rotata leaves in different habitats based on non-targeted metabolomics
Phlomoides rotata, a traditional Tibetan medicinal herb renowned for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, exhibits distinct metabolite profiles across heterogeneous environments. However, the impacts of altitude and slope orientation on its secondary metabolism remain poorly understood. T...
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Frontiers Media S.A.
2025-04-01
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| Series: | Frontiers in Plant Science |
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| Online Access: | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpls.2025.1503218/full |
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| author | Lele Wang Lele Wang Hongli Wang Hongli Wang Hongli Wang Junlin Chen Yuzhen Lamu Xiangyang Qi Lei Lei Kangshan Mao Kangshan Mao Sonam Tso Sonam Tso |
| author_facet | Lele Wang Lele Wang Hongli Wang Hongli Wang Hongli Wang Junlin Chen Yuzhen Lamu Xiangyang Qi Lei Lei Kangshan Mao Kangshan Mao Sonam Tso Sonam Tso |
| author_sort | Lele Wang |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Phlomoides rotata, a traditional Tibetan medicinal herb renowned for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, exhibits distinct metabolite profiles across heterogeneous environments. However, the impacts of altitude and slope orientation on its secondary metabolism remain poorly understood. This study aimed to characterize metabolite variations in the leaves of Phlomoides rotata under different elevations and microclimates, providing a mechanistic basis for its quality evaluation and sustainable utilization. Metabolomic analysis was conducted using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Leaf samples were collected from three altitude gradients (4,300 m, 4,600 m, 5,000 m) and two slope orientations (south vs. north) in Budanla Mountain, Qusong County, Shannan, Xizang Autonomous Region, China. A total of 2,331 metabolites were detected, with lipids (41.93%), organic oxygen compounds (13.95%), and phenylpropanoids (12.4%) dominating the profile. Altitudinal gradients induced significant changes in 5 differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs), including procyanidin B2 and dihydrocoumarin. Slope orientation influenced 17 DAMs, such as 2,3-secoporrigenin and 2-O-α-D-galactopyranosyl-1-deoxynojirimycin. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis revealed altitude-specific enrichment in flavonoid biosynthesis and pantothenate/CoA biosynthesis, while slope-related DAMs were enriched in glycerophospholipid metabolism and galactose metabolism. Altitude-driven increases in flavonoids (e.g., procyanidin B2) likely reflect adaptive responses to UV radiation and oxidative stress. Slope-related metabolite shifts, particularly glycerophospholipids, may relate to microclimate differences in temperature and moisture. These findings highlight the critical role of environmental factors in shaping the metabolic phenotype of Phlomoides rotata, with implications for pharmacologically active compound biosynthesis. The identified DAMs serve as potential biomarkers for quality control, while pathway analysis provides targets for metabolic engineering in conservation and cultivation practices. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-7a2941506fb9417f997706de41612093 |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 1664-462X |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-04-01 |
| publisher | Frontiers Media S.A. |
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| series | Frontiers in Plant Science |
| spelling | doaj-art-7a2941506fb9417f997706de416120932025-08-20T02:16:21ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Plant Science1664-462X2025-04-011610.3389/fpls.2025.15032181503218Analysis of metabolic differences in Tibetan medicinal plant Phlomoides rotata leaves in different habitats based on non-targeted metabolomicsLele Wang0Lele Wang1Hongli Wang2Hongli Wang3Hongli Wang4Junlin Chen5Yuzhen Lamu6Xiangyang Qi7Lei Lei8Kangshan Mao9Kangshan Mao10Sonam Tso11Sonam Tso12Key Laboratory of Biodiversity and Environment on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Education, School of Ecology and Environment, Xizang University, Lhasa, ChinaLhasa, Urban Wetland Ecosystem, Observation and Research Station of Tibet Autonomous Region, Lhasa, ChinaKey Laboratory of Biodiversity and Environment on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Education, School of Ecology and Environment, Xizang University, Lhasa, ChinaFruit and Vegetable Breeding Laboratory, Qinzhou Branch of Guangxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Qinzhou Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Qinzhou, ChinaKey Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, Sichuan Zoige Alpine Wetland Ecosystem National Observation and Research Station, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, ChinaKey Laboratory of Biodiversity and Environment on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Education, School of Ecology and Environment, Xizang University, Lhasa, ChinaKey Laboratory of Biodiversity and Environment on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Education, School of Ecology and Environment, Xizang University, Lhasa, ChinaKey Laboratory of Biodiversity and Environment on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Education, School of Ecology and Environment, Xizang University, Lhasa, ChinaKey Laboratory of Biodiversity and Environment on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Education, School of Ecology and Environment, Xizang University, Lhasa, ChinaKey Laboratory of Biodiversity and Environment on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Education, School of Ecology and Environment, Xizang University, Lhasa, ChinaKey Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, Sichuan Zoige Alpine Wetland Ecosystem National Observation and Research Station, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, ChinaKey Laboratory of Biodiversity and Environment on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Education, School of Ecology and Environment, Xizang University, Lhasa, ChinaLhasa, Urban Wetland Ecosystem, Observation and Research Station of Tibet Autonomous Region, Lhasa, ChinaPhlomoides rotata, a traditional Tibetan medicinal herb renowned for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, exhibits distinct metabolite profiles across heterogeneous environments. However, the impacts of altitude and slope orientation on its secondary metabolism remain poorly understood. This study aimed to characterize metabolite variations in the leaves of Phlomoides rotata under different elevations and microclimates, providing a mechanistic basis for its quality evaluation and sustainable utilization. Metabolomic analysis was conducted using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Leaf samples were collected from three altitude gradients (4,300 m, 4,600 m, 5,000 m) and two slope orientations (south vs. north) in Budanla Mountain, Qusong County, Shannan, Xizang Autonomous Region, China. A total of 2,331 metabolites were detected, with lipids (41.93%), organic oxygen compounds (13.95%), and phenylpropanoids (12.4%) dominating the profile. Altitudinal gradients induced significant changes in 5 differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs), including procyanidin B2 and dihydrocoumarin. Slope orientation influenced 17 DAMs, such as 2,3-secoporrigenin and 2-O-α-D-galactopyranosyl-1-deoxynojirimycin. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis revealed altitude-specific enrichment in flavonoid biosynthesis and pantothenate/CoA biosynthesis, while slope-related DAMs were enriched in glycerophospholipid metabolism and galactose metabolism. Altitude-driven increases in flavonoids (e.g., procyanidin B2) likely reflect adaptive responses to UV radiation and oxidative stress. Slope-related metabolite shifts, particularly glycerophospholipids, may relate to microclimate differences in temperature and moisture. These findings highlight the critical role of environmental factors in shaping the metabolic phenotype of Phlomoides rotata, with implications for pharmacologically active compound biosynthesis. The identified DAMs serve as potential biomarkers for quality control, while pathway analysis provides targets for metabolic engineering in conservation and cultivation practices.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpls.2025.1503218/fullTibetan medicinePhlomoides rotatametabolomicsaltitude gradientslope directiondifferential metabolites |
| spellingShingle | Lele Wang Lele Wang Hongli Wang Hongli Wang Hongli Wang Junlin Chen Yuzhen Lamu Xiangyang Qi Lei Lei Kangshan Mao Kangshan Mao Sonam Tso Sonam Tso Analysis of metabolic differences in Tibetan medicinal plant Phlomoides rotata leaves in different habitats based on non-targeted metabolomics Frontiers in Plant Science Tibetan medicine Phlomoides rotata metabolomics altitude gradient slope direction differential metabolites |
| title | Analysis of metabolic differences in Tibetan medicinal plant Phlomoides rotata leaves in different habitats based on non-targeted metabolomics |
| title_full | Analysis of metabolic differences in Tibetan medicinal plant Phlomoides rotata leaves in different habitats based on non-targeted metabolomics |
| title_fullStr | Analysis of metabolic differences in Tibetan medicinal plant Phlomoides rotata leaves in different habitats based on non-targeted metabolomics |
| title_full_unstemmed | Analysis of metabolic differences in Tibetan medicinal plant Phlomoides rotata leaves in different habitats based on non-targeted metabolomics |
| title_short | Analysis of metabolic differences in Tibetan medicinal plant Phlomoides rotata leaves in different habitats based on non-targeted metabolomics |
| title_sort | analysis of metabolic differences in tibetan medicinal plant phlomoides rotata leaves in different habitats based on non targeted metabolomics |
| topic | Tibetan medicine Phlomoides rotata metabolomics altitude gradient slope direction differential metabolites |
| url | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpls.2025.1503218/full |
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