Comparative transcriptome analysis of different tissues of <i>Solanum khasianum</i> reveals candidate genes involved in steroidal glycoalkaloid biosynthesis

Abstract Fruits and leaves of Solanum khasianum C. B. Clarke have long been used as a common Chinese herbal medicine. Steroidal glycoalkaloids (SGAs), the main active ingredient in S. , exhibit various pharmacological effects. However, genes involved SGA biosynthetic pathway not yet identified. Genes encoding potential key biosynthesis enzymes were identified through comprehensive RNA sequencing analysis (RNA‐seq) leaves, stems, fruits. A total 123,704 unigenes obtained, which 109,775 (88.74%) annotated seven public databases. Among these, 54 potentially Additionally, 23,636 differentially expressed by comparing gene expression levels among fruits, khasianum. The structural characteristics phylogenetic relationship cycloartenol synthase further analyzed. Solasodine constituent was detected high‐performance liquid chromatography. This is first study to report comparative transcriptome different tissues that identifies valuable this species.