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Integrated metabolomic and transcriptomic profiling reveals leaf-specific flavonoid biosynthesis in Paris polyphylla
Wang Yang1, Zhihao Li1,2, Juncheng Lin1
1Sinopharm Dongfeng General Hospital, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, 442000, Hubei, China.
BMC Plant Biology
|October 7, 2025
Summary
This study reveals that Paris polyphylla Sm. leaves are the primary site for flavonoid biosynthesis, identifying key enzymes like chalcone isomerase (CHI) and flavonol synthase (FLS). These findings enhance the sustainable development of this valuable traditional Chinese medicine.
Area of Science:
- Plant metabolomics
- Plant transcriptomics
- Medicinal plant research
Background:
- Paris polyphylla Sm. is a medicinal plant containing valuable saponins and flavonoids.
- Flavonoids in Paris polyphylla Sm. possess antioxidant, neuroprotective, and metabolic regulatory potential.
- Comprehensive research on Paris polyphylla Sm. flavonoids is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a comprehensive metabolomics and transcriptomics analysis of Paris polyphylla Sm.
- To reveal metabolic differences and biosynthetic mechanisms of flavonoids in leaves, stems, and roots.
- To promote the utilization of non-medicinal parts and sustainable development of Paris polyphylla Sm.
Main Methods:
- Non-targeted and targeted metabolomics analysis.
- Transcriptomics analysis (RNA sequencing).
- RT-qPCR validation of key flavonoid synthesis genes.
Main Results:
- Leaves exhibit the highest diversity and abundance of flavonoids.
- Identified 45, 38, and 52 differential metabolites between leaves-roots, leaves-stems, and stems-roots comparisons, respectively.
- Leaves showed higher expression of FLS, promoting flavonol synthesis; CHI identified as a potential rate-limiting enzyme.
Conclusions:
- Leaves are the main site for flavonoid biosynthesis in Paris polyphylla Sm.
- Kaempferol-3-O-glucoside, quercetin 3-β-D-glucoside, and rutin are abundant in leaves.
- Understanding flavonoid biosynthesis enhances the utilization of Paris polyphylla Sm. resources.
