Metabolomics and transcriptomics analyses for characterizing the alkaloid metabolism of Chinese jujube and sour jujube fruits

Introduction Jujube is an important economic forest tree whose fruit rich in alkaloids. Chinese jujube ( Ziziphus jujuba Mill.) and sour spinosa Hu.) are the two most species of genus. However, mechanisms underlying synthesis metabolism alkaloids fruits remain poorly understood. Methods In this study, ‘Hupingzao’ ‘Taigusuanzao’ different harvest stages were used as test materials, we first integrated widely targeted metabolomics transcriptomics analyses to elucidate fruits. Results analysis, 44 alkaloid metabolites identified 4 samples, 3 which unique fruit. The differential (DAMs) more accumulated than jujube; further, they white ripening stage red stage. DAMs annotated 12 metabolic pathways. Additionally, data revealed 259 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) involved metabolism. By mapping regulatory networks DEGs, screened out 11 candidate genes. Discussion This study preliminarily elucidated molecular mechanism synthesis. regulated key metabolites, but specific regulation unclear. Taken together, our results provide insights into at stages, thereby providing a theoretical reference for further research on their development utilization.