Comparative transcriptome analysis reveals sesquiterpenoid biosynthesis among 1-, 2- and 3-year old Atractylodes chinensis

Abstract Background Atractylodes chinensis (DC.) Koidz is a well-known medicinal plant containing the major bioactive compound, atractylodin, sesquiterpenoid. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis demonstrated that atractylodin was most abundant in 3-year old A. rhizome, compared with those from 1- and 2-year rhizomes, however, molecular mechanisms underlying accumulation of rhizomes are poorly understood. Results In this study, we characterized transcriptomes 1-, 2- (Y1, Y2 Y3, respectively) , to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs). We identified 240, 169 131 unigenes encoding enzyme mevalonate (MVA), methylerythritol phosphate (MEP), sesquiterpenoid triterpenoid biosynthetic pathways, respectively. To confirm reliability RNA sequencing analysis, eleven key gene factors involved pathway, as well pigment, amino acid, hormone transcription factor functions, were selected for quantitative real time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis. The results similar expression patterns determined by sequencing, Pearson’s correlation coefficient 0.9 between qRT-PCR RNA-seq data. Differential different ages revealed 52 related biosynthesis. Among these, seven DEGs Y1 vs Y2, Y3 which five encoded four enzymes, squalene/phytoene synthase (SS), squalene-hopene cyclase (SHC), squalene epoxidase (SE) dammarenediol II (DS). These enzymes directly biosynthesis subsequent catalytic action. validate result these DEGs, performed indicated them displayed lower relative transcriptomic Conclusion SS, SHC, SE DS down-regulated rhizome. This data corresponded higher content confirmed qRT-PCR. comparative transcriptome laid solid foundation investigation production .