Integrated metabolomic and transcriptomic analysis elucidates transcriptional regulation of flavonoid biosynthesis in differentially pigmented honeysuckle (<i>Lonicera japonica</i>) varieties.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica Thunb.) is a key medicinal plant whose bioactive flavonoids underpin its antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. However, the genetic and metabolic mechanisms controlling flavonoid accumulation and the associated flower color variation between different cultivars remain largely unexplored, limiting targeted breeding for enhanced therapeutic quality.

Methods

A comparative analysis was conducted using two distinct honeysuckle varieties-'Luyu No.1' (white-yellow flowers) and 'Honghua' (red-pink flowers)-at the optimal harvest stage ('Dabai period'). An integrated transcriptomics (RNA-seq) and widely targeted metabolomics approach was employed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and differentially

SUBMITTER: Liao H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12460243 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature