The Jasmonate-Responsive SmMPK3-SmWRKY33 Module Positively Regulates Tanshinone Biosynthesis in Salvia miltiorrhiza.

ABSTRACT: Tanshinones, the major bioactive diterpenes in Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge, are widely used to treat cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. While jasmonates (JAs) are known to modulate tanshinones accumulation, the molecular link between JA signalling and tanshinone biosynthesis remains unclear. Here, we identify SmWRKY33, a JA-responsive WRKY transcription factor, as a key regulator of tanshinone biosynthesis through multiomic and genetic analyses. SmWRKY33 is highly expressed in the roots of S. miltiorrhiza. SmWRKY33 directly binds to the promoters of SmCPS1, SmKSL1, SmCYP76AH3, SmCYP71D373 and Sm2-ODD14, activating their transcription and promoting tanshinones accumulation. Notably, SmWRKY33 interacts with SmJAZ8, a JA signalling repressor, which suppresses its transcriptional activ

SUBMITTER: Qu R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12906826 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature