Transcriptome sequencing and identification of full-length genes involved in the biosynthesis of anticancer compounds Oleanolic acid and Ursolic acid in Achyranthes aspera L

• Published in: Gene 2025-01, Vol.933, p.148964, Article 148964
• Main Authors: Jeevitha, C.M., Ravichandiran, Kumar, Tanuja, Tanuja, Parani, Madasamy
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Achyranthes; Achyranthes - genetics; Achyranthes - metabolism; Achyranthes aspera; biosynthesis; Biosynthetic Pathways - genetics; Gene Expression Profiling; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant; genes; Oleanolic acid; Oleanolic Acid - biosynthesis; Oleanolic Acid - metabolism; Plant Roots - genetics; Plant Roots - metabolism; polyketides; RNA; RT-qPCR; Secondary metabolites; sequence analysis; Transcriptome; Transcriptomics; Triterpenes - metabolism; Ursolic Acid
• ISSN: 0378-1119; 1879-0038; 1879-0038
• DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148964

•Achyranthes aspera contains anticancer compounds, oleanolic acid, and ursolic acid.•The root transcriptome of A. aspera was assembled for the first time.•Assembled 167,698 transcripts from A. aspera root transcriptome.•All the genes for Oleanolic acid and Ursolic acid biosynthesis were identified. Achyranthes aspera is renowned for its rich medicinal properties since the Ayurvedic era. This plant is known for the presence of experimentally validated anticancer compounds like oleanolic acid (OA) and ursolic acid (UA). Our study involved sequencing the RNA from the root tissue of A. aspera to elucidate the genes responsible for synthesizing these two critical secondary metabolites. Through RNA-Seq analysis, we assembled approximately 167,698 transcripts, averaging 847 base pairs in length, with an N50 value of 1509 bp. From this data, we mapped 604 sequences involved in the metabolism of terpenoids and polyketide pathways. Among them, 241 transcripts were mapped to the triterpenoid biosynthesis pathway, which included 127 transcripts involved in OA and UA biosynthesis. From these transcripts, we identified 22 full-length genes coding for all the 21 enzymes required for OA and UA biosynthesis. Identifying these full-length genes will lead to a better understanding of the pathway and adopting genetic engineering approaches.