Abstract
BackgroundClinopodium gracile (Benth.) Matsum (C. gracile) is an annual herb with pharmacological properties effective in the treatment of various diseases, including hepatic carcinoma. Triterpenoid saponins are crucial bioactive compounds in C. gracile. However, the molecular understanding of the triterpenoid saponin biosynthesis pathway remains unclear.ResultsIn this study, we performed RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) analysis of the flowers, leaves, roots, and stems of C. gracile plants using the BGISEQ-500 platform. The assembly of transcripts from all four types of tissues generated 128,856 unigenes, of which 99,020 were mapped to several public databases for functional annotation. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified via the comparison of gene expression levels between leaves and other tissues (flowers, roots, and stems). Multiple genes encoding pivotal enzymes, such as squalene synthase (SS), or transcription factors (TFs) related to triterpenoid saponin biosynthesis were identified and further analyzed. The expression levels of unigenes encoding important enzymes were verified by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Different chemical constituents of triterpenoid saponins were identified by Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC/Q-TOF-MS).ConclusionsOur results greatly extend the public transcriptome dataset of C. gracile and provide valuable information for the identification of candidate genes involved in the biosynthesis of triterpenoid saponins and other important secondary metabolites.
Highlights
Clinopodium gracile (Benth.) Matsum (C. gracile) is an annual herb with pharmacological properties effective in the treatment of various diseases, including hepatic carcinoma
These components were condensed in a sequential manner by prenyltransferases, resulting in the formation of prenyl diphosphates, such as geranyl pyrophosphate (GPP) and farnesyl pyrophosphate (FPP), which are further
Total saponin content in different tissues of C. gracile Saponins were extracted from approximately 0.1 g dried powder of flowers, leaves, stems, and roots of C. gracile
Summary
Clinopodium gracile (Benth.) Matsum (C. gracile) is an annual herb with pharmacological properties effective in the treatment of various diseases, including hepatic carcinoma. According to the results of previous studies, triterpenoid saponins in C. gracile exhibit several pharmacological effects, as these possess antiinflammatory [4], anti-hepatoma [4, 5], cardioprotective [6], anti-tumor [7], and immunoregulatory [8] properties. Triterpenoid saponins were synthesized from two C5 isoprene units, isopentenyl pyrophosphate (IPP) and dimethylallyl diphosphate (DMAPP). These components were condensed in a sequential manner by prenyltransferases, resulting in the formation of prenyl diphosphates, such as geranyl pyrophosphate (GPP) and farnesyl pyrophosphate (FPP), which are further. Genes encoding key triterpenoid saponin biosynthesis enzymes in C. gracile are largely unknown
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
