Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40165085›Full record

ArticleBMC genomics2025

Metabolome and transcriptome analysis of anthocyanin biosynthesis reveal key metabolites and candidate genes in red-stemmed alfalfa (Medicago sativa).

Yaqian Zong, Zhili Zhao, Kai Zhou, Xinhui Duan, Bo Han, Chenggang He, Heping Huang, Hua Jiang

Abstract read
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Article in BMC genomics, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 6 papers.

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6citing papers in PubMed
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1 · What the graph read from it

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2 · The registry

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3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

6 citing papers in PubMed.

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  5. Study on differences in flavonoid synthesis inFrontiers in plant science · 2026
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4 · The record

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

8 authors.

Yaqian ZongFaculty of Animal Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, China.
Zhili ZhaoFaculty of Animal Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, China.
Kai ZhouFaculty of Animal Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, China.
Xinhui DuanFaculty of Animal Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, China.
Bo HanFaculty of Animal Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, China.
Chenggang HeFaculty of Animal Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, China. chengganghe63@163.com.
Heping HuangFaculty of Animal Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, China. 1329873649@qq.com.
Hua JiangFaculty of Animal Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, China. jianghua15@163.com.

Funding

National Key Research and Development Program of China No. 2024YFD1301205National Natural Science Foundation of China 32460347the Eryuan County Forage Industry Science and Technology Mission 202304BI090008the Key Project of Agricultural Joint Fund of Yunnan Province 202101BD070001-026the Major Program for Basic Research Project of Yunnan Province 202401BC070001Yunnan Revitalization Talents Support Plan XDYC-CYCX-2022-0036
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundAlfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) serves as a vital high-quality forage resource, especially in tropical and subtropical regions where there is a deficiency of protein-rich feed. The red pigmentation of stem of space mutated alfalfa was mainly caused by anthocyanin accumulation. However, investigations into the mechanisms governing anthocyanin biosynthesis in alfalfa stems have been scarce.

resultIn this study, we conducted combined transcriptome and metabolome analyses on two types of alfalfa stems: space mutation red-stemmed alfalfa and non-space mutation green-stemmed alfalfa (control). Profiling of the anthocyanin metabolome unveiled 45 metabolites linked to anthocyanin biosynthesis, with cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, pelargonidin-3-O-arabinoside, delphinidin-3-O-(6-O-acetyl)-glucoside, and kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside identified as the primary anthocyanins of red-stemmed alfalfa. Transcriptome analysis revealed 72 differentially expressed genes related to anthocyanin biosynthesis pathways, of which 54 genes were highly expressed in red stems, including 12 PALs (phenylalanine ammonia-lyase), 22 4CLs (4-coumaroyl: CoA-ligase), eight CHSs (chalcone synthase), three F3Hs (flavanone 3-hydroxylase), two ANRs (anthocyanidin reductase), three DFRs (dihydroflavonol-4-reductase), three ANSs (anthocyanidin synthase), and one FLS (flavonol synthase) gene. These genes are likely pivotal for anthocyanin biosynthesis in red-stemmed. Co-expression analysis of differentially expressed genes and relative contents of differentially expressed anthocyanin showed that each anthocyanin was closely related to multiple genes, and anthocyanin accumulation process was regulated by multiple genes. The expressions of these genes were significantly positively correlated with the relative contents of cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, pelargonin-3-O-arabinoside, and kaempferol-3-O-rutin.

conclusionOverall, the expression patterns of PAL, 4CL, CHS, F3H, ANR, DFR, ANS, and FLS structural genes in anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway were closely related to the composition and content of anthocyanins. Different anthocyanins' accumulation patterns may result in the different stem colors of alfalfa. These findings provide comprehensive insights into the molecular mechanisms for anthocyanin biosynthesis in red-stemmed alfalfa.

Indexed as

AnthocyaninsGene Expression ProfilingMedicago sativaMetabolomeTranscriptomeBiosynthetic PathwaysGene Expression Regulation, PlantPigmentationPlant ProteinsPlant StemsAnthocyaninsPlant ProteinsAnthocyaninsMedicago sativa. Cv. DeqinMetabolomeSpace mutationTranscriptome

Identifiers

PMID40165085
PMCPMC11956477

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.