Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42298393›Full record

ArticleBMC genomics2026

Comparative genomics reveals the evolution of anthraquinone biosynthesis in Polygonaceae.

Qian Cheng, Fanbo Meng, Xiuping Yang, Xiaoming Song, Wei Chen

Abstract readComparative Study
In one paragraph

Article in BMC genomics, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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1 · What the graph read from it

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4 · The record

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

5 authors.

Qian ChengSchool of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China.
Fanbo MengInnovative Institute of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China.
Xiuping YangSchool of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China.
Xiaoming SongSchool of Basic Medical Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, 063210, China. songxm@ncst.edu.cn.
Wei ChenSchool of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China. greatchen@ncst.edu.cn.

Funding

Innovation Team and Talents Cultivation Program of National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine ZYYCXTD-D-202408
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundPolygonaceae is a globally distributed angiosperm family rich in anthraquinones (AQs), which contribute to diverse medicinal properties and species-specific chemical defenses. Despite their ecological and pharmacological significance, the evolutionary dynamics and transcriptional regulation of AQ biosynthesis genes in Polygonaceae remain largely unexplored.

resultsIn this study, we combined comparative genomics and multi-omics analyses to investigate these processes. Phylogenomic reconstruction indicated that Polygonaceae diverged from its sister family approximately 66.26 million years ago. A total of 206 polyketide synthase (PKS) genes were identified, with lineage-specific tandem duplication driving substantial expansion. Polyketide biosynthetic gene clusters with dense PKS aggregation were detected in three species, primarily shaped by tandem duplication. By integrating gene expression and synteny analyses, candidate PKS genes likely involved in AQ biosynthesis were identified. Multi-level gene regulatory networks constructed from root transcriptomes of Fallopia multiflora across different growth years revealed hierarchical regulatory relationships and divergence among candidate PKS genes. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis further identified co-expression modules and transcription factors potentially associated with AQ biosynthesis, while machine learning approaches prioritized transcription factors regulating the glycosyltransferase involved in AQ modification.

conclusionsThese results reveal the evolutionary expansion, diversification, and functional specialization of PKS genes, as well as the hierarchical transcriptional regulation underlying AQ biosynthesis in Polygonaceae. The identified candidate genes and regulatory networks provide a valuable resource for metabolic engineering and molecular breeding strategies aimed at enhancing medicinal AQ production.

Indexed as

AnthraquinonesEvolution, MolecularGenomicsPolygonaceaeGene Regulatory NetworksMultigene FamilyPhylogenyPolyketide SynthasesTranscriptomeAnthraquinonesPolyketide SynthasesAnthraquinonesBiosynthetic gene clusterGene regulatory networksPolygonaceaePolyketide synthase

Identifiers

PMID42298393
PMCPMC13495219

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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.