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Keywords = differential accumulation metabolites (DAMs)

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17 pages, 2733 KB  
Article
Combined Mechanisms of Streptomyces sp. HU2014 and Coronatine in Promoting Maize Seedling
by Linfeng Hu, Xiaoyu Wang, Jiangsheng Meng, Qian Su, Wenhui Shi, Jungao Zhang and Hongxia Zhu
Microorganisms 2026, 14(6), 1361; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms14061361 - 17 Jun 2026
Viewed by 265
Abstract
The rhizosphere microbiome and phytohormone signaling are critical determinants of plant growth and stress resilience. This study evaluated the combined effects of Streptomyces sp. HU2014 and coronatine (COR) on maize (Zea mays L.) seedlings. Four treatments were established: control (CK), COR seed [...] Read more.
The rhizosphere microbiome and phytohormone signaling are critical determinants of plant growth and stress resilience. This study evaluated the combined effects of Streptomyces sp. HU2014 and coronatine (COR) on maize (Zea mays L.) seedlings. Four treatments were established: control (CK), COR seed soaking (Cor), HU2014 soil inoculation (S), and combined S + Cor (SCor). Growth parameters, chlorophyll content, and antioxidant/oxidative stress markers were measured, and root and leaf transcriptomes, together with root metabolomes, were compared between SCor and CK, followed by qRT-PCR validation. Compared with CK, SCor treatment significantly increased stem diameter (~60%), plant height (~20%), and relative chlorophyll content (SPAD, ~50%). Soluble sugar levels were elevated by over 40% in both leaves and roots, accompanied by tissue-specific modulation of antioxidant enzymes. Transcriptomic analysis of SCor vs. CK revealed 2459 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in leaves and 3444 DEGs in roots; leaves exhibited upregulation of photosynthetic pigment metabolism (porphyrin and carotenoid pathways) and volatile defense compounds (alkaloids and monoterpenoids), whereas roots showed enrichment in phenylpropanoid/flavonoid biosynthesis, benzoxazinoid synthesis, and starch/sucrose metabolism. Metabolomics of SCor vs. CK identified 526 differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) in roots, with significant enrichment in aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis, phenylalanine metabolism, and linoleic acid metabolism. Integrative multi-omics analysis further revealed that the JA precursor 13-epi-12-oxo-phytodienoic acid co-clustered with stress-responsive transcription factors (e.g., DREB1C), while tricarboxylic acid (TCA) intermediates and phenylpropanoid metabolites were linked to energy and lignin biosynthesis genes. qRT-PCR confirmed the expression trends of 14 out of 15 tested genes. Collectively, combined HU2014 and COR application triggers tissue-specific transcriptional and metabolic reprogramming in maize, coupling JA-mediated stress signaling with enhanced carbon metabolism and secondary defense compound synthesis to promote rhizosphere adaptation and seedling vigor. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Microbe Interactions)
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14 pages, 5966 KB  
Article
Peribacillus simplex P10 Enhances Salt Tolerance in Asparagus by Modulating Amino Acid and Phenylpropanoid Metabolism
by Lingyu Hao, Yingtao Sun, Tao Liu, Lin Meng, Xue Song, Huiling Yan and Yanpo Cao
Plants 2026, 15(12), 1848; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15121848 - 15 Jun 2026
Viewed by 196
Abstract
While Peribacillus simplex has been reported to alleviate abiotic stress-induced damage in diverse plant species, its precise functional mechanism in mediating salt tolerance in asparagus remains unclear. The present study sought to uncover the molecular regulatory mechanisms through which strain P10 enhances the [...] Read more.
While Peribacillus simplex has been reported to alleviate abiotic stress-induced damage in diverse plant species, its precise functional mechanism in mediating salt tolerance in asparagus remains unclear. The present study sought to uncover the molecular regulatory mechanisms through which strain P10 enhances the salt adaptability of asparagus seedlings. We investigated physiological responses, as well as transcriptomic and metabolomic alterations, in P10-inoculated asparagus seedlings grown under saline conditions. The results demonstrated that P10 inoculation alleviated salt-induced physiological damage by enhancing antioxidant enzyme activities and promoting the accumulation of osmotic regulatory substances. Comparative transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses identified 1659 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 128 differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) between P10-inoculated and non-inoculated seedlings under salt stress. These DEGs were primarily associated with multiple biological pathways, including phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, nitrogen metabolism, and flavonoid biosynthesis pathways (flavone, flavonol, and total flavonoid synthesis). Metabolomic profiling indicated that organic acids constituted the most abundant class of DAMs, followed by amino acids and their derivatives, and flavonoids. Integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses suggested that P10 optimized the amino acid metabolic network under salt stress by upregulating genes involved in nitrogen assimilation, glutathione biosynthesis, and polyamine biosynthesis, thereby promoting amino acid accumulation and enhancing glutathione and polyamine levels. In addition, P10 markedly stimulated flavone and flavonol biosynthesis while maintaining elevated anthocyanin levels. Overall, P10 mitigated salt stress injury in asparagus by regulating amino acid metabolism to improve osmotic balance and growth stability, while simultaneously redirecting phenylpropanoid flux toward flavone and flavonol biosynthetic pathways to fine-tune stress responses. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Omics Approaches in Plant Stress Responses)
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15 pages, 4145 KB  
Article
Integrative Analysis of Transcriptome and Metabolome Reveals Molecular Mechanisms of Salt Tolerance in Two Citrus Rootstocks
by Yueting Sun, Peng Wang, Yanmei Wu, Feng Liu and Longfei Jin
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(12), 5361; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27125361 - 14 Jun 2026
Viewed by 231
Abstract
Salt stress is a major abiotic stress that threatens citrus yield and quality. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying differential salt tolerance in citrus rootstocks, we performed an integrative transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis of salt-sensitive trifoliate orange (Poncirus trifoliata) and salt-tolerant [...] Read more.
Salt stress is a major abiotic stress that threatens citrus yield and quality. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying differential salt tolerance in citrus rootstocks, we performed an integrative transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis of salt-sensitive trifoliate orange (Poncirus trifoliata) and salt-tolerant Goutoucheng (Citrus aurantium) under 60 mM NaCl treatment for 12 h and 24 h. Physiological observations confirmed that Goutoucheng exhibited less growth inhibition and leaf damage than trifoliate orange. Transcriptome sequencing identified 2081 and 1588 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in trifoliate orange at 12 h and 24 h, respectively, compared with 1166 and 997 DEGs in Goutoucheng. Metabolome profiling revealed 217 and 173 differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) in trifoliate orange versus 162 and 239 DAMs in Goutoucheng at the two time points. KEGG pathway analysis showed that DEGs were mainly enriched in the Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway—plant, plant hormone signal transduction, and flavonoid biosynthesis—and DAMs were mainly enriched in flavonoid biosynthesis, starch and sucrose metabolism, and glutathione metabolism. Integrative nine-quadrant and two-way orthogonal partial least squares analyses further pinpointed flavonoid biosynthesis as a central hub in salt response. Notably, quercetin derivatives accumulated preferentially in the salt-tolerant rootstock Goutoucheng. Several transcription factor families—including HSF, MYB, NAC, HB-HD-ZIP, C2H2, bHLH, AP2/ERF, and Trihelix—may enhance antioxidant capacity under salt stress by regulating flavonoid accumulation. Collectively, these results indicated that coordinated regulation of flavonoids contributed critically to salt stress adaptation in citrus rootstocks. The identified DEGs, DAMs, and transcription factors provide candidate targets for genetic improvement of salt tolerance in citrus. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Abiotic Stress Tolerance and Genetic Diversity in Plants, 3rd Edition)
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16 pages, 3940 KB  
Article
Co-Analysis of Transcriptome and Metabolome Reveals Anthocyanin Accumulation in the Female Flower Tissues of Fig Cultivar ‘Silu Hongyu’
by Ying Zhang, Yuqin Jiang, Shuanti Qian, Siyu Jing, Zijin Liu and Zhihao Zhao
Genes 2026, 17(6), 694; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes17060694 - 14 Jun 2026
Viewed by 271
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Fig (Ficus carica L.) is considered a valuable fruit owing to its rich health-promoting ingredients, including anthocyanins. However, little information is available on the regulatory networks that reveal anthocyanin biosynthesis in figs, especially the new fig cultivar “Silu Hongyu” (HY). Methods: [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Fig (Ficus carica L.) is considered a valuable fruit owing to its rich health-promoting ingredients, including anthocyanins. However, little information is available on the regulatory networks that reveal anthocyanin biosynthesis in figs, especially the new fig cultivar “Silu Hongyu” (HY). Methods: In this study, multi-omics analysis was performed to dissect the regulatory networks responsible for anthocyanin accumulation in the female flower tissues of HY. Results: we found that the anthocyanin content in the female flower tissues of HY is higher than that of “Chinese Ziguo” (ZG). Metabolomic profiling identified 350 differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs), among which 108 were flavonoids. The contents of multiple metabolites responsible for anthocyanin accumulation, such as naringenin chalcones, cyanidin 3-glucoside, and pelargonidin 3,5-diglucoside, were significantly increased in the HY female flower tissues. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that 3696 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened from the female flower tissues of ZG and HY, with 1730 upregulated DEGs and 1966 downregulated DEGs in HY compared to ZG. The key structural genes involved in anthocyanin biosynthesis, including FcPAL, Fc4CL, FcCHS, FcF3′H, and FcBZ1, were significantly upregulated in the female flower tissues of HY compared with ZG. KEGG analysis also demonstrated that five flavonoid biosynthesis pathways were co-enriched by DAMs and DEGs. Conclusion: These findings provide a multi-omics framework that governs anthocyanin biosynthesis in the female flower tissues of HY, which will facilitate the genetic breeding and improvement of high-anthocyanin fig cultivars. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Genetics and Genomics)
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17 pages, 2888 KB  
Article
Transcriptomic and Metabolomic Insights into the Enhanced Quality of Anoectochilus roxburghii Seedlings in Sugar-Free Versus Conventional Tissue Culture Systems
by Chuanzhi Kang, Tongwei Lin, Hongyang Wang, Yiheng Wang, Dehua Wu, Wanying Duan, Zekun Zhang, Chengcai Zhang, Xiangtao Chen and Fangfang Chen
Metabolites 2026, 16(6), 374; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo16060374 - 29 May 2026
Viewed by 228
Abstract
Background/Objective: Anoectochilus roxburghii, a high-value medicinal orchid, faces significant challenges in quality standardization during large-scale tissue culture due to a lack of understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms. This study aimed to compare “Jianlan No.2” plantlets cultured under a conventional tissue [...] Read more.
Background/Objective: Anoectochilus roxburghii, a high-value medicinal orchid, faces significant challenges in quality standardization during large-scale tissue culture due to a lack of understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms. This study aimed to compare “Jianlan No.2” plantlets cultured under a conventional tissue culture system (CK) and a sugar-free tissue culture system (TD), to elucidate the phenotypic and molecular basis for quality improvement. Methods: A systematic comparison was conducted. Phenotypic traits of plantlets from both systems were measured. Integrated transcriptomic (RNA sequencing) and untargeted metabolomic analyses were employed to identify the molecular differences at the gene expression and metabolite accumulation levels. Results: TD-grown seedlings exhibited significantly superior growth characteristics, including greater plant height, higher rooting rate, and improved transplant survival. Transcriptomic analysis identified 416 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) (44 upregulated, 372 downregulated in TD), which were significantly enriched in pathways related to cell wall organization, apoplast, and photosynthesis. Sixteen key genes were pinpointed as closely associated with seedling growth and metabolic regulation. Metabolomic profiling revealed 502 differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs), with significant perturbations primarily in phenylpropanoid biosynthesis and terpenoid metabolism. Conclusions: The sugar-free tissue culture system enhances A. roxburghii seedling quality by coordinately modulating photosynthetic capacity, carbon metabolism, and the biosynthesis of key secondary metabolites. These findings provide a crucial molecular foundation for optimizing tissue culture protocols and advancing the standardized, high-quality cultivation of this valuable medicinal plant. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Metabolism)
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20 pages, 5680 KB  
Article
Integrated Transcriptomic and Metabolomic Analyses Reveal Adaptive Mechanisms of Medicago sativa Under Water Stress
by Yangyang Song, Nazi Niu, Yuanrong Wu, Qianqian Huo, Yuanyuan Qu and Linqiao Xi
Plants 2026, 15(10), 1531; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15101531 - 16 May 2026
Viewed by 982
Abstract
Water stress is a major abiotic constraint limiting the growth and productivity of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). To elucidate the adaptive mechanisms and identify key drought-tolerance genes, physiological measurements were integrated with multi-omics analyses of cultivar ‘Tamu 1’ under three water treatments: [...] Read more.
Water stress is a major abiotic constraint limiting the growth and productivity of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). To elucidate the adaptive mechanisms and identify key drought-tolerance genes, physiological measurements were integrated with multi-omics analyses of cultivar ‘Tamu 1’ under three water treatments: waterlogging (100% field water capacity), normal irrigation (80% FWC), and drought (light: 60% FWC, moderate: 40% FWC, severe: 20% FWC). Water stress markedly inhibited plant growth, induced oxidative stress, and reduced the photosynthetic capacity. Compared with waterlogging stress (DAMs: n = 71; DEGs: n = 313), drought stress resulted in a substantially greater number of differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs, n = 1504) and differentially expressed genes (DEGs, n = 8006). Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) identified six key modules and ten hub genes associated with stress responses. Integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses further revealed four major responsive pathways: starch and sucrose metabolism, phenylpropanoid and flavonoid metabolism, glutathione metabolism, and zeatin biosynthesis. Based on integrative criteria, including differential expression (|log2FC| ≥ 1, adjusted p < 0.05), WGCNA modules significantly associated with drought-related traits (R2 > 0.6), as well as functional annotation and protein–protein interaction (PPI) network topology, 28 candidate genes associated with drought tolerance were identified, of which six were further validated by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). These findings highlight key metabolic pathways and regulatory modules underlying alfalfa responses to water stress and provide valuable candidate gene resources for improving drought tolerance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forage and Sustainable Agriculture)
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15 pages, 9549 KB  
Article
Multi-Omics Revealed Key Pathways Related to Soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.) Seed Hardness
by Zhen Yuan, Jialiang Liu, Zhilin Zou, Yubo Gao, Zhaoming Qi, Xindong Yao and Dayong Zhang
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(10), 4473; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27104473 - 16 May 2026
Viewed by 407
Abstract
Soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.) seed hardness is a critical physical trait that dictates processing efficiency and end-product quality, yet the underlying genetic and metabolic regulatory networks remain poorly elucidated. To systematically decipher the mechanisms governing this complex quantitative trait, a multi-omics [...] Read more.
Soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.) seed hardness is a critical physical trait that dictates processing efficiency and end-product quality, yet the underlying genetic and metabolic regulatory networks remain poorly elucidated. To systematically decipher the mechanisms governing this complex quantitative trait, a multi-omics approach integrating a genome-wide association study (GWAS), transcriptomics, and metabolomics was conducted on a panel of 162 soybean germplasm accessions from Northeast China. Four significant quantitative trait nucleotides (QTNs) on chromosomes 15 and 19 were identified by GWAS. Subsequent RNA-seq and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analyses comparing extreme phenotypes identified 573 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 784 differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs). Joint multi-omics analysis revealed 14 consistently enriched pathways, highlighting the crucial role of secondary metabolite biosynthesis. Notably, Glyma.19G030500, which encodes an isoflavone malonyltransferase, was identified as the primary hub gene. These findings offer valuable genomic targets for the marker-assisted breeding of soybean varieties with optimized processing qualities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Biology of Soybean)
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20 pages, 3979 KB  
Article
Brassinosteroid Potentiates Cold-Induced Transcriptome–Metabolome Reprogramming in Tea Plant Leaves: An Integrated Multi-Omics Landscape
by Wenli Wang, Keyin Shen, Jingbo Yu, Fengshui Yang, Lan Zhang, Shibei Ge and Xin Li
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(9), 3766; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27093766 - 23 Apr 2026
Viewed by 332
Abstract
Low temperatures severely restrict tea plant (Camellia sinensis) growth and yield stability, yet how brassinosteroid (BR) signaling modulates cold acclimation at a systems level remains insufficiently defined. Here, we integrated transcriptomic and UHPLC–MS metabolomic profiling of tea leaves under Control, 24-epibrassinolide [...] Read more.
Low temperatures severely restrict tea plant (Camellia sinensis) growth and yield stability, yet how brassinosteroid (BR) signaling modulates cold acclimation at a systems level remains insufficiently defined. Here, we integrated transcriptomic and UHPLC–MS metabolomic profiling of tea leaves under Control, 24-epibrassinolide (EBR), Cold, and Cold + EBR treatments to delineate BR-potentiated cold responses. Principal component analyses revealed clear treatment-specific separation and tight clustering of biological replicates at both omics levels. Quantitatively, cold stress induced extensive reprogramming (4075 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 298 differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs)), whereas EBR alone exerted relatively modest effects (231 DEGs and 50 DAMs). Notably, EBR under cold conditions further reshaped cold-responsive networks (371 BR-modulated DEGs and 17 BR-modulated DAMs), consistent with a potentiating role for BR signaling. Functional enrichment analyses highlighted phenylpropanoid metabolism and hormone signal transduction as core responsive modules, with coordinated activation of key gateway genes (PAL, C4H, and 4CL) and concurrent engagement of lignin-, flavonoid-, and catechin-associated branches under Cold + EBR. Metabolomic analyses identified flavonoids as the dominant responsive metabolite class (49.31%), particularly anthocyanins and flavonol glycosides. Integrative TF–metabolite–gene correlation networks prioritized WRKY transcription factors (TEA001162, TEA027058) and a UDP-glycosyltransferase gene (TEA025792) as candidate hub genes linking hormone signaling to phenylpropanoid outputs. Collectively, this work provides a systems-level framework of co-regulated transcript–metabolite modules and candidate molecular targets, offering a foundation for functional validation and practical improvement of cold resilience in tea production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Tea Tree Metabolism and Genetics)
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26 pages, 6075 KB  
Article
Exposure to Polystyrene Microplastics Disrupts Blood Cell Homeostasis and Metabolic Profiles in Pregnant Mice and Offspring: The Role of Oxidative Stress and Inflammation
by Lin Lin, Ti-Zhen Yan, Hai-Wen Zhuo, Rong-Hua Zhang, Hong-Yi Liu, Xing-He Wang, Qing-Wo Lu, Rui Guo, Jian-Feng Qiu, Bo Zhang and Qing-Ming Luo
Toxics 2026, 14(5), 354; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics14050354 - 23 Apr 2026
Viewed by 1007
Abstract
Micro/nanoplastics (MNPs) are emerging contaminants of concern for maternal and fetal health, yet their effects on the maternal–fetal circulation and serum metabolic homeostasis remain unclear. Here, we investigated the maternal and offspring toxicity of polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) and serum metabolomic alterations in dams [...] Read more.
Micro/nanoplastics (MNPs) are emerging contaminants of concern for maternal and fetal health, yet their effects on the maternal–fetal circulation and serum metabolic homeostasis remain unclear. Here, we investigated the maternal and offspring toxicity of polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) and serum metabolomic alterations in dams and offspring. PS-MPs accumulated in multiple tissues, including blood, indicating maternal-to-offspring transfer. Continuous exposure reduced litter size, induced hepatic oxidative stress, and increased IL-6 and TNF-α levels in a dose-dependent manner in both dams and offspring. In dams, PS-MPs also decreased red blood cell and platelet counts and altered leukocyte composition, with increased lymphocyte and decreased neutrophil percentages at the high dose. Untargeted serum metabolomics revealed distinct exposure-related metabolic profiles, including 18 putatively annotated signature metabolites and 26 differentially abundant metabolites. Bilirubin and presqualene diphosphate were exclusively detected in exposed animals, whereas metabolites associated with lipid oxidation and mitochondrial fatty acid β-oxidation were elevated after exposure. RT-qPCR further supported altered expression of genes involved in these pathways. Overall, PS-MPs disrupted hematological homeostasis and metabolic regulation, likely through hepatic lipid peroxidation and systemic inflammation, and serum bilirubin and presqualene diphosphate may serve as candidate biomarkers of exposure. Full article
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20 pages, 4064 KB  
Article
Elevational Metabolic Reprogramming Optimizes Flavonoid Accumulation and Antioxidant Capacity in Chimonobambusa utilis Leaves
by Jingkai Wu, Yingying Dai, Boqian Qin, Songming Li, Jianjun Zhang, Fanfan He, Guohua Liu and Changlai Liu
Plants 2026, 15(9), 1290; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15091290 - 22 Apr 2026
Viewed by 460
Abstract
Chimonobambusa utilis is a dominant bamboo species in China, yet its leaves remain an underutilized resource despite their significant bioactive potential. To elucidate the metabolic reprogramming of Ch. utilis leaves across an elevational gradient and its link to antioxidant phenotypes, we integrated widely [...] Read more.
Chimonobambusa utilis is a dominant bamboo species in China, yet its leaves remain an underutilized resource despite their significant bioactive potential. To elucidate the metabolic reprogramming of Ch. utilis leaves across an elevational gradient and its link to antioxidant phenotypes, we integrated widely targeted metabolomics with redox profiling of leaves collected from 1150, 1600, and 2000 m in the Qingba Mountains. The mid-elevation (1600 m) group exhibited the most robust antioxidant capacity and the highest total flavonoid content. Metabolomic analysis identified 3113 metabolites across 13 classes, with flavonoids (604 compounds, 22.7% of total abundance) emerging as the predominant secondary metabolites. Pairwise comparisons revealed 1716 differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs). KEGG enrichment indicated that while the low-elevation (1150 m) group prioritized primary metabolism and upstream phenylpropanoid branches, the high-elevation (2000 m) group was associated with photoprotection and defense responses. In contrast, the mid-elevation environment optimized the flux toward flavonoid biosynthesis while maintaining steady metabolic supply. HPLC quantification further confirmed that key markers—vitexin, hyperoside, orientin, and luteoloside—peaked at 1600 m. Correlation analysis between 423 differential flavonoids and antioxidant indices demonstrated that distinct radical-scavenging activities are driven by specific flavonoid structural motifs. Overall, altitude-driven metabolic remodeling, characterized by a mid-elevation advantage for flavonoid accumulation, dictates the antioxidant plasticity of Ch. utilis leaves. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Physiology and Metabolism)
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16 pages, 15310 KB  
Article
Metabolomic Profiling Reveals Geographical Origin, Tissue-Specific Specialization, and Environmental Plasticity in Secondary Metabolism of Dendrobium officinale
by Zhiyong Li, Jian Li, Yue Hu, Xinyi Wu, Xiaojuan Duan, Demin Kong, Xiaowen Li, Jin Cheng and Meina Wang
Metabolites 2026, 16(4), 279; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo16040279 - 20 Apr 2026
Viewed by 643
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Dendrobium officinale (D. officinale), an endangered ornamental and medicinal orchid, displays significant variability in its bioactive compounds depending on geographical and environmental factors. To decipher these influences, we investigated metabolic divergence across three cultivars (GN, LS, DX) cultivated in [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Dendrobium officinale (D. officinale), an endangered ornamental and medicinal orchid, displays significant variability in its bioactive compounds depending on geographical and environmental factors. To decipher these influences, we investigated metabolic divergence across three cultivars (GN, LS, DX) cultivated in greenhouse and outdoor conditions using untargeted metabolomics. Methods: Metabolites extracted from stem and leaf tissues were analyzed via UHPLC-Q Exactive Orbitrap MS, and the raw data were processed using XCMS for peak alignment and quantification. Differentially abundant metabolites (DAMs) were identified by multivariate statistical analyses including PCA and OPLS-DA. Metabolic pathways were annotated using KEGG, HMDB, and LIPID Maps databases, with enrichment analysis and visualization performed via TBtools II and Hiplot. Results: Metabolite profiling and multivariate analysis revealed distinct chemotypes. The DX cultivar exhibited anthocyanin enrichment in its stems, correlating with a red pigmentation, while GN accumulated specific amino acid derivatives. Tissue-specific metabolic specialization was evident, with leaves displaying greater flavonoid diversity and stems prioritizing lipid and amino acid metabolism. Outdoor cultivation enhanced flavonoid biosynthesis, whereas greenhouse conditions favored alkaloid accumulation. Functional analysis identified both conserved pathways, like phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, and varietal-specific adaptations in amino acid and secondary metabolism. Notably, alkaloid levels declined sharply during plant defoliation. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that environmental factors and geographical origin synergistically shape the metabolic profiles of D. officinale. This provides a scientific basis for optimizing cultivation strategies—through targeted environmental adjustments and varietal selection—to enhance the yield of desired bioactive compounds. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metabolomics and Plant Defence, 2nd Edition)
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29 pages, 19236 KB  
Article
Integrated Analysis of Transcriptome and Metabolome Reveals Molecular Responses to Ammonia Stress in the Gills of Litopenaeus vannamei Under Low-Salinity Conditions
by Yutong Zhao, Yangyang Ding, Falin Zhou, Xiaojuan Hu, Qibin Yang and Yucheng Cao
Biology 2026, 15(8), 612; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology15080612 - 13 Apr 2026
Viewed by 560
Abstract
High ammonia nitrogen stress significantly compromises the survival of Litopenaeus vannamei under low-salinity conditions. However, existing studies predominantly focus on ammonia nitrogen responses under single stressors or normal seawater salinity. The molecular regulatory mechanisms, metabolic remodeling patterns, and key pathway interactions in shrimp [...] Read more.
High ammonia nitrogen stress significantly compromises the survival of Litopenaeus vannamei under low-salinity conditions. However, existing studies predominantly focus on ammonia nitrogen responses under single stressors or normal seawater salinity. The molecular regulatory mechanisms, metabolic remodeling patterns, and key pathway interactions in shrimp subjected to high ammonia nitrogen stress under low-salinity environment remain unclear. In this study, we employed integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses to unveil the underlying molecular responses and metabolic biomarkers in the gills of L. vannamei to ammonia stress under low-salinity conditions. First, L. vannamei underwent low-salinity acclimation from 30‰ to 5‰ salinity and was then reared for one week to acclimate to the experimental environment. Subsequently, shrimp were treated with 42.32 mg/L ammonia nitrogen for a consecutive 96 h period. Integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses elucidated the stress response patterns in the gills of L. vannamei under low-salinity ammonia nitrogen exposure. Specifically, 352, 802, and 140 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified at 12 h, 48 h, and 96 h post-exposure, respectively. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses revealed that the significant DEGs were primarily enriched in six major pathways: autophagy, immune-related pathway, ABC transporter, fatty acid degradation and metabolism, metabolic pathway, and PPAR signaling pathway. Metabolomic profiling identified numerous differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) in both positive and negative ion modes, with significantly altered DAMs mainly consisting of organic acids and their derivatives, phospholipids, and other related metabolites. Key DAMs included taurine, guanosine, 1-palmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, pseudouridine, and betaine. Integrative multi-omics analysis revealed that L. vannamei mediates stress responses by modulating five core pathways under low-salinity/high-ammonia-nitrogen dual stress: fatty acid degradation and metabolism (e.g., acyl-CoA dehydrogenase short chain (Acads), acetyl-CoA acetyltransferase 2 (ACAT2)), autophagy (e.g., autophagy-related protein 101-like (atg101)), immune regulation pathway (e.g., V-type proton ATPase subunit H-like (VhaSFD), actin-5C-like (Act5C)), metabolic pathway (e.g., molybdopterin synthase catalytic subunit-like (Mocs2B), cytochrome P450 2U1-like (Cyp2b1)), and ABC transporter (e.g., ATP-binding cassette sub-family D member 3-like (ABCD3), ATP-binding cassette sub-family B member 10 (ABCB10)). Through characterization of these core pathways, this study reveals the fundamental mechanisms by which L. vannamei responds to high ammonia nitrogen stress following low-salinity acclimation, providing a theoretical foundation for estuarine shrimp farming. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Biochemistry and Molecular Biology)
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17 pages, 3767 KB  
Article
Unraveling the Metabolic and Molecular Basis of Floral Pigmentation Shift in Nymphaea atrans
by Qian Wei, Kaijie Zhou, Mengchao Fang, Zhentao Ren, Shujuan Li and Ming Zhu
Genes 2026, 17(4), 442; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes17040442 - 12 Apr 2026
Viewed by 417
Abstract
Background: Nymphaea atrans exhibits a gradual flower color transition from nearly white to rose-red during anthesis, yet the molecular mechanisms of this phenomenon remain unclear. In the present study, transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses were performed to systematically investigate anthocyanin accumulation patterns and [...] Read more.
Background: Nymphaea atrans exhibits a gradual flower color transition from nearly white to rose-red during anthesis, yet the molecular mechanisms of this phenomenon remain unclear. In the present study, transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses were performed to systematically investigate anthocyanin accumulation patterns and regulatory mechanisms during the color transition of N. atrans. Methods: Petals were collected at three flowering stages: day 1 (D1), day 3 (D3), and day 5 (D5). Targeted metabolomics was performed using UPLC-ESI-MS/MS to profile anthocyanin and other flavonoid metabolites. Transcriptome analysis was conducted via RNA-seq. Differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, followed by functional enrichment and integration analysis. Results: The results revealed significant accumulation of seven anthocyanins, including cyanidin-3-O-arabinoside, cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, cyanidin-3-O-galactoside, cyanidin-3-O-(6″-O-acetyl)-glucoside, at stages D3 (day 3 after flowering, light pink petals) and D5 (day 5 after flowering, deep pink petals), accompanied by the upregulation of key enzyme-encoding genes, chalcone synthase, chalcone isomerase, flavanone 3-hydroxylase, di-hydroflavonol 4-reductase, and anthocyanidin synthase in the anthocyanin biosynthetic pathway. Genes involved in JA biosynthesis and key regulatory genes in the JA signaling pathway were significantly up-regulated, indicating that the JA signaling pathway may play an important regulatory role in the synthesis of anthocyanins in N. atrans. Conclusions: This study unravels the metabolic and molecular underpinnings of flower color transition in N. atrans, thereby establishing a theoretical basis for the targeted regulation of floral pigmentation and molecular breeding of ornamental water lilies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetic Regulation of Plant Metabolism in Environmental Adaptation)
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25 pages, 15185 KB  
Article
Integrated Metabolomics and Transcriptomics Analysis Reveals the Biosynthetic Mechanism of Isoquinoline Alkaloids in Different Tissues of Hypecoum erectum L.
by Sainan Wang, Yan Du and Meiqing Yang
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2026, 48(3), 309; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb48030309 - 13 Mar 2026
Viewed by 655
Abstract
Hypecoum erectum L. is a medicinal plant known for its high content of isoquinoline alkaloids (IQAs), a class of compounds with diverse pharmacological activities. To elucidate the biosynthetic mechanisms and tissue-specific accumulation of IQAs, we integrated HPLC-MS/MS-based metabolomic analysis with RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) [...] Read more.
Hypecoum erectum L. is a medicinal plant known for its high content of isoquinoline alkaloids (IQAs), a class of compounds with diverse pharmacological activities. To elucidate the biosynthetic mechanisms and tissue-specific accumulation of IQAs, we integrated HPLC-MS/MS-based metabolomic analysis with RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) transcriptomic profiling across the roots, stems, and leaves of H. erectum. Metabolomic analysis identified twenty-six IQAs as differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) among the three tissues, while transcriptomic analysis revealed twenty-two categories of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) involved in IQA biosynthesis. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis demonstrated that nine DAMs and twenty categories of DEGs were co-enriched in the IQA biosynthetic pathway of Hypecoum erectum. Notably, seven key DAMs—Stylopine, Protopine, Magnoflorine, Corydaline, Tetrahydropalmatine, Sanguinarine, and Palmatine—preferentially accumulated in the root, concomitant with the elevated expression of eleven root-specific DEGs, including GOT1, CYP719A14, SMT, CYP719A1_2_3_13, PSOMT1, E2.1.1.116, CYP80B1, E2.1.1.128, NCS, ASP5, and BBE1. Gene–metabolite correlation network analysis further identified nine DAMs and fifteen DEGs closely associated with IQA biosynthesis, highlighting key enzymatic regulators of alkaloid accumulation. Additionally, several transcription factor (TF) families, including bHLH, NAC, and ERF families, were predicted to participate in the transcriptional regulation of IQA-related genes. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that roots are the primary site of IQA biosynthesis in H. erectum and provide a molecular framework for understanding the regulation and utilization of its medicinally active components. Full article
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Article
Integrative Transcriptome and Metabolome Analysis Reveals the Regulatory Networks and Key Biosynthetic Pathway Genes of Wild and Cultivated Gentiana macrophylla Pall
by Juanjuan Liu, Jialing Zhang, Yiyang Chen, Ke Li, Xiaohui Ma, Xiaobo Zhang and Ling Jin
Metabolites 2026, 16(3), 184; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo16030184 - 10 Mar 2026
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Abstract
Objectives: Gentiana macrophylla Pall. (Gentianaceae) is a medicinally important perennial herb. Iridoids are the main chemical constituents of G. macrophylla. The scarcity of the wild resource has led to increased attention to cultivated G. macrophylla. However, little is known about the metabolic [...] Read more.
Objectives: Gentiana macrophylla Pall. (Gentianaceae) is a medicinally important perennial herb. Iridoids are the main chemical constituents of G. macrophylla. The scarcity of the wild resource has led to increased attention to cultivated G. macrophylla. However, little is known about the metabolic differences and the regulatory mechanisms between cultivated and wild G. macrophylla. Methods: This study utilized untargeted metabolomics and transcriptomics to reveal differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between wild and cultivated. Results: The metabolomics profiling revealed 25,587 DAMs (p < 0.05) while the transcriptomic profiling identified 6830 DEGs. Analysis revealed that DEGs were predominantly enriched for processes associated with monoterpenoid biosynthesis and flavonoid biosynthesis. In addition, we word validated six DEGs involved in monoterpenoid biosynthesis and flavonoid biosynthesis by RT-qPCR. According to KEGG pathway analysis, 10HGO (8-hydroxygeraniol dehydrogenase) may be a key enzyme encoding secoiridoid biosynthesis. The comprehensive results of transcriptome and metabolomics analysis revealed significant correlation between metabolite content and gene expression, providing a foundation for further study the function of G. macrophylla Pall. and the regulation of biosynthesis of active components. Conclusions: These approaches aim to explore the consistency of medicinal quality between the two sources across different habitats and to develop cultivated gentian as a full substitute for its wild counterpart in medicinal value. This strategy will fundamentally alleviate the predatory harvesting pressure on wild resources, ease their depletion, provide a theoretical basis for further development and protection of wild species of G. macrophylla in the future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Metabolomic Profiling Technology)
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