Deciphering Triterpene Saponin Biosynthesis Using Natural Diversity, Metabolomics and Gene Expression Profiling

摘要

1. Metabolite profiling revealed substantial metabolic diversity in a M. truncatula ecotype population collected from around the globe. 2. Integrated transcriptome profiling of hypo- and hyper-saponin-accumulating lines followed by correlation analyses identified a series of prioritized candidate genes likely involved in saponin biosynthesis. 3. A specific cytochrome P450 was functionally characterized and demonstrated to sequentially oxidize a series of saponin substrates, thus, validating its role in saponin biosynthesis. 4. Additional target genes are currently being pursued.