Decoding superrosids phylogeny: Penthorum chinense genome assemble reveals medicinal secrets
image: Genomic characteristics of Penthorum chinense Pursh (PC) are shown.
Credit: Horticulture Research
A pioneering study has achieved the first-ever telomere-to-telomere genome assembly of Penthorum chinense Pursh, a medicinal plant revered in traditional Chinese medicine for its anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective properties. This milestone offers fresh insights into the plant's phylogenetic placement within the Superrosids clade, while also shedding light on its flavonoid synthesis capabilities—vital for producing key medicinal compounds. The research sets the stage for a deeper understanding of Penthorum chinense Pursh's evolutionary journey and its metabolic potential, particularly in the biosynthesis of beneficial flavonoids.
For centuries, Penthorum chinense Pursh has been celebrated for its medicinal value, known for its potent antioxidant properties and ability to protect the liver from damage. However, the genetic mechanisms underlying these therapeutic effects, particularly the biosynthesis of flavonoids, have remained elusive. Unraveling these molecular pathways is critical, as it could pave the way for the development of plants with improved medicinal properties and the creation of novel therapeutic agents. This study rises to the challenge, aiming to decode the genetic secrets of this valuable plant and enhance its application in medicine.
Researchers from Zhejiang University, in collaboration with Lishui Institute of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, have published their findings (DOI: 10.1093/hr/uhad274) in the prestigious journal Horticulture Research. Released on December 19, 2023, the study presents the first complete genome assembly of Penthorum chinense Pursh, shedding light on its evolutionary history and metabolic diversity.
The comprehensive genome assembly of Penthorum chinense Pursh represents a significant scientific achievement, revealing a genome of 257.5 Mb across nine chromosomes with a notably low transposable element content. This breakthrough offers a more detailed and accurate genetic map of the plant. A particular focus on cytochrome P450 (CYP) genes, which play a crucial role in metabolite synthesis, led to the identification of 170 CYP genes across 57 families. Remarkably, the CYP727 and CYP709 families are unique to Penthorum chinense Pursh, hinting at their involvement in the plant's distinctive metabolic profile. Through metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses, young leaves and flowers were identified as the richest sources of the plant's key medicinal compounds—kaempferol, quercetin, and pinocembroside. These findings not only resolve long-standing phylogenetic debates within the Superrosids clade but also offer profound insights into the plant's metabolic diversity, particularly in flavonoid biosynthesis. The discovery of gene regulatory networks linked to these compounds marks a significant step toward understanding and enhancing the plant's therapeutic potential.
Dr. Kejun Cheng, a leading expert in the field, commented, "Our study provides a comprehensive understanding of Penthorum chinense Pursh, from its evolutionary position within the Superrosids to the complex mechanisms driving its medicinal compounds. This genomic resource will be an invaluable asset for future research and could lead to the development of new therapeutic strategies."
The implications of this research go far beyond academia. By revealing the plant's genetic makeup and metabolic pathways, the study holds promise for revolutionizing the cultivation of Penthorum chinense Pursh for medicinal use. With a deeper understanding of its biosynthesis mechanisms, breeders could develop strains with enhanced medicinal properties. This, in turn, could fuel the creation of new pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals, offering innovative solutions for modern healthcare. The study offers profound insights into the therapeutic potential of Penthorum chinense Pursh, marking a new chapter in the plant’s role in contemporary medicine.
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References
DOI
Original Source URL
https://doi.org/10.1093/hr/uhad274
Funding information
This research were funded by the ‘Pioneer’ and ‘Leading Goose’ R&D Program of Zhejiang Province (No. 2023C04020), the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation (2023M743080), and the Zhejiang Province Selected Funding for Postdoctoral Research Projects (ZJ2023166).
About Horticulture Research
Horticulture Research is an open access journal of Nanjing Agricultural University and ranked number one in the Horticulture category of the Journal Citation Reports ™ from Clarivate, 2022. The journal is committed to publishing original research articles, reviews, perspectives, comments, correspondence articles and letters to the editor related to all major horticultural plants and disciplines, including biotechnology, breeding, cellular and molecular biology, evolution, genetics, inter-species interactions, physiology, and the origination and domestication of crops.