Integrated Multi-Omics Analysis Reveals the Regulatory Mechanisms of Lignans Biosynthesis in the Genus Polygonatum

By integrating metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses, our study unravels the regulatory mechanisms underlying the biosynthesis of lignans in the plant genus Polygonatum. As a perennial herb of the Liliaceae family, Polygonatum boasts rhizomes that are rich in polysaccharides, saponins, flavonoids, sterols, and amino acids—micronutrients that contribute to its essence-nourishing, antioxidant, and anti-aging properties. These rhizomes have a positive impact on memory enhancement, blood glucose and lipid reduction, and immune system strengthening. Lignans, as secondary metabolites in plants, play a pivotal role in plant defense against pests and stress, and exhibit a range of pharmacological activities, including anti-tumor, anti-HIV, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and antioxidant effects.Focusing on Polygonatum sibiricum Red and Polygonatum kingianum var. grandifolium , our research delves into the transcriptional and metabolic mechanisms of lignan biosynthesis. We discovered that transcription factor families such as GARP-G2-like and SET may be crucial in regulating the lignan synthetic pathway within the rhizomes of Polygonatum. Additionally, we identified 17 lignans, with significant differences in the content of nine, particularly the marked expression variation of Cycloolivil-6-O-glucoside between the two Polygonatum species.Our findings not only fill a gap in the field but also offer guidance for molecular breeding, underscoring the significance of lignans in Polygonatum and providing theoretical support for enhancing the plant's stress tolerance and resistance to pests and diseases. We recommend further in-depth exploration of the metabolic and regulatory mechanisms of Polygonatum lignans to inform the development of new Polygonatum varieties with high quality and lignan content.