Integrated metabolomics and transcriptomics reveals difference involved in flavonoid and indole alkaloids biosynthesis in potato tuber flesh

• Published in: Scientia horticulturae 2024-01, Vol.324, p.112630, Article 112630
• Main Authors: Wu, Juan, Ma, Yanhong, Xie, Rui, Zhang, Zhicheng, Zhang, Sheng, Wu, Xiaojuan, Wang, Peijie, Wang, Dan, Lu, Chunxing
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Colored potato tuber flesh; Correlation analysis; Flavonoid; Hybrids F1; Indole alkaloids
• ISSN: 0304-4238; 1879-1018
• DOI: 10.1016/j.scienta.2023.112630

•8031 differential expressed genes and 714 differential metabolites were monitored.•In hybrids F1, six new metabolites were identified.•Phenolic acids, flavonoids, and alkaloids can contribute to the positive heterosis.•StDFR and StYUCCA were studied by WGCNA and correlation analysis. Colored potatoes have garnered attention due to their higher nutrients compared to regular potatoes. This study describes a combined transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis of potato tubers originating from a single sexual cross between two parents with differing tuber skin and flesh colors. Through the use of RNA-seq, and UPLC-MS/MS metabolomics, this study aimed to elucidate the genetic and metabolic variations involved in the transmission of traits from tetraploid potato parents to hybrid F1 offspring. Our analysis revealed unique genes and metabolites associated with flavonoids and alkaloids within each group of offspring. Phenolic acids, flavonoids, and alkaloids are highlighted as key contributors to the positive heterosis observed in the tubers of potato hybrids, as assessed by calculating mid-parent heterosis for metabolites in three potato hybrids. At the overall metabolites level, hybrid SB (red-skinned and red-fleshed) exhibited a higher mid-parent heterosis than hybrid SA (purple-skinned and purple-fleshed) and SC (yellow-skinned and yellow-fleshed). Within hybrid SB tuber, specific accumulations of luteolin, salicin, isovitexin, and esculeoside B-5 were identified. Moreover, co-expression networks and correlation analysis pinpoint genes related to flavonoid and alkaloid biosynthesis. Notably, StDFR (dihydroflavonol reductase), a gene involved in flavonoid synthesis in potato tuber flesh, exhibits heightened expression in colored potato flesh. Additionally, we identified StYUCCA (indole-3-pyruvate monooxygenase), a gene regulating indole alkaloids synthesis, with elevated expression in yellow potato flesh. These findings provide insights into the utilization of heterosis breeding and the regulation of genes-metabolites in colored potato tuber flesh. [Display omitted]