Molecular insights into charantin and β-carotene biosynthesis in bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.): Gene expression dynamics and metabolite profiling.

ABSTRACT: Bitter gourd is recognized for its anticancer and antidiabetic properties, largely attributed to charantin, and is also a rich source of carotenoids, including β-carotene. In this study, considerable variation was observed in both the accumulation and gene expression patterns associated with charantin and β-carotene biosynthesis across diverse genotypes. PVGy-201 exhibited the strongest gene expression profile, with the highest transcript levels for five key genes, including McIDI (∼16,493-fold), McPMK (∼694-fold), and McSE (∼466-fold), which corresponded with the maximum charantin content (38.53 µg/g FW). Similarly, DBGS-2 showed elevated expression of McHMGR1 (∼271-fold) and McMK (∼13-fold), supporting its high charantin accumulation (35.27 µg/g FW). The wild species Momordica balsamina

SUBMITTER: Tharun B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12719150 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature