Integrative metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses reveals the accumulation patterns of key metabolites associated with flavonoids and terpenoids of Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Thunb.) Makino

Abstract Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Thunb.) Makino ( G. pentaphyllum ) is a medicinal and edible plant with multiple functions of liver protection, anti-tumor, anti-inflammation, balancing blood sugar and blood lipids. The nutritional value of the G. pentaphyllum plant is mainly due to its rich variety of biologically active substances, such as flavonoids, terpenes and polysaccharides. In this study, we performed a comprehensive analysis combining metabolomics and root, stem and leaf transcriptomic data of G. pentaphyllum . We used transcriptomics and metabolomics data to construct a dynamic regulatory network diagram of G. pentaphyllum flavonoids and terpenoids, and screened the transcription factors involved in flavonoids and terpenoids, including basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH), myb-related, WRKY, AP2/ERF. Transcriptome analysis results showed that among the DEGs related to the synthesis of flavonoids and terpenoids, dihydroflavonol 4-reductase (DFR) and geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthases (GGPPS) were core genes. This study presents a dynamic image of gene expression in different tissues of G. pentaphyllum , elucidating the key genes and metabolites of flavonoids and terpenoids. This study is beneficial to a deeper understanding of the medicinal plants of G. pentaphyllum , and also provides a scientific basis for further regulatory mechanisms of plant natural product synthesis pathways and drug development.