Long-read transcriptome sequencing provides insight into lignan biosynthesis during fruit development in Schisandra...

Area of Science:

• Plant Molecular Biology
• Biochemistry
• Genomics

Background:

• Schisandra chinensis, a basal angiosperm, possesses valuable pharmacological properties attributed to lignans like schisandrin.
• Understanding schisandrin biosynthesis is crucial for improving its production, but the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate the molecular mechanisms and regulatory networks governing schisandrin biosynthesis in Schisandra chinensis.
• To identify key genes and pathways involved in schisandrin production.

Main Methods:

• Genome-wide transcriptome sequencing using long- and short-read technologies from leaf, root, and fruit tissues of S. chinensis cultivar Cheongsoon.
• Bioinformatic analysis for gene annotation, pathway prediction, and differential gene expression analysis during fruit development.

Main Results:

• Generated 132,856 assembled transcripts, revealing a high degree of completeness and accurate functional annotation.
• Identified phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, specifically coniferyl alcohol biosynthesis, as upregulated during the post-fruit development stage.
• Discovered candidate unigenes homologous to isoeugenol synthase 1 (IGS1) and dirigent-like protein (DIR) with increased expression, suggesting their role in schisandrin biosynthesis regulation.

Conclusions:

• The study provides novel insights into schisandrin production and accumulation in S. chinensis berries.
• Identified key genes and pathways that can be targeted for improving schisandrin content.
• The generated transcriptomic data serves as a valuable resource for future research and breeding efforts in S. chinensis.