The genome of the medicinal plant Uncaria rhynchophylla provides new insights into monoterpenoid indole alkaloid metabolism and its molecular regulatory mechanism.

ABSTRACT: The high-quality chromosomal-level genome assembly (627.72 Mb, contig N50 1.80 Mb) of Uncaria rhynchophylla, a Chinese herb used for hypertension and Alzheimer's disease. Integrated genomic and transcriptomic analyses identified 46,909 genes, including 72 UrWRKY transcription factors. Sixty-four candidate genes for monoterpenoid indole alkaloid (MIA) biosynthesis were screened. Functional validation confirmed UrTDC6 catalyzes tryptamine formation and UrLAMT1/UrLAMT2 catalyze loganin production. Correlation analysis linked MIA content with UrWRKY expression, identifying UrWRKY37 as a key regulator. UrWRKY37 directly activates UrTDC and UrSGD transcription. Overexpression in hairy roots upregulated MIA pathway genes and significantly increased accumulation of isocorynoxeine, corynoxeine, and

SUBMITTER: Mu D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12866418 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature