Understanding Genes Involved in Flavonoid Production in Baikal Skullcap

Jenn Hoskins
26th August, 2024

Understanding Genes Involved in Flavonoid Production in Baikal Skullcap

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • Researchers at Shanghai Chenshan Botanical Garden studied the genetic pathways of flavonoid production in the medicinal herb Scutellaria baicalensis
  • They identified 88 2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenase (2ODD) genes, crucial for flavonoid biosynthesis, with specific enzymes highly active in roots and flowers
  • Understanding these genetic mechanisms can help enhance the production of flavonoids, which have shown potential in treating COVID-19 by inhibiting the virus's replication
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the urgent need for effective treatments against the virus. Recent research has focused on the potential of natural compounds to inhibit SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19. One promising plant in this regard is Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, commonly known as Huang-Qin, a traditional Chinese medicinal herb known for its diverse pharmacological activities[2][3]. A new study conducted by researchers at Shanghai Chenshan Botanical Garden has delved into the genetic underpinnings of flavonoid biosynthesis in S. baicalensis, with implications for developing COVID-19 treatments[1]. The study focused on the 2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenase (2ODD) superfamily, the second largest enzyme family in the plant genome, which plays a crucial role in secondary metabolic pathways, including the biosynthesis of flavonoids. Flavonoids such as baicalein and myricetin, found in S. baicalensis, have shown potential in treating COVID-19 by inhibiting the virus's replication[4][5]. Researchers performed a genome-wide analysis of the 2ODD genes in S. baicalensis and identified 88 genes, with 82 grouped into 25 distinct clades based on phylogenetic analysis. Two key enzymes from the DOXC subfamily, Sb2ODD1 and Sb2ODD2, were found to exhibit the activity of Flavone Synthase I (FNSI), which converts pinocembrin to chrysin, a type of flavone. Sb2ODD1 showed significantly higher transcription levels in the roots, suggesting its role in flavone biosynthesis in this part of the plant. Another enzyme, Sb2ODD7 from the DOXC28 clade, was highly expressed in flowers and encoded Flavanone 3-Hydroxylase (F3H), responsible for converting naringenin and pinocembrin into dihydrokaempferol and pinobanksin. This enzyme exhibited high catalytic efficiency towards naringenin, indicating its primary role in dihydrokaempferol biosynthesis in flowers. This compound can be further directed into pathways producing flavonols and anthocyanins, which have various pharmacological benefits. The findings of this study are significant as they provide a detailed understanding of the genetic and enzymatic mechanisms behind flavonoid biosynthesis in S. baicalensis. By identifying specific genes and enzymes involved in the production of flavonoids, researchers can better understand how to harness these compounds for therapeutic use, including potential COVID-19 treatments. Previous studies have shown that extracts of S. baicalensis and its major constituents possess a range of biological activities, including antiviral properties[2][3]. For instance, baicalein has been found to inhibit the replication of SARS-CoV-2 by targeting the 3CL protease, a key enzyme in the virus's life cycle[4]. Similarly, myricetin, another flavonoid, has been identified as a covalent inhibitor of the SARS-CoV-2 3CL protease, further supporting the potential of flavonoids in combating COVID-19[5]. This new study expands on these findings by elucidating the specific genetic pathways involved in flavonoid production in S. baicalensis. By understanding these pathways, researchers can potentially enhance the production of these bioactive compounds, paving the way for new antiviral therapies. The study also highlights the importance of different plant parts, such as roots and flowers, in producing specific flavonoids, which could inform targeted harvesting and extraction methods for medicinal use. In conclusion, the research conducted by Shanghai Chenshan Botanical Garden provides valuable insights into the biosynthesis of flavonoids in S. baicalensis and their potential therapeutic applications. By identifying key enzymes and their roles in different plant parts, this study lays the groundwork for developing new treatments for COVID-19 and other diseases. The integration of these findings with previous research underscores the significant pharmacological potential of S. baicalensis and its flavonoid constituents in modern medicine.

GeneticsBiochemPlant Science

References

Main Study

1) Characterization of the 2ODD genes of DOXC subfamily and its members involved in flavonoids biosynthesis in Scutellaria baicalensis.

Published 26th August, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1186/s12870-024-05519-1

Related Studies

2) The genus Scutellaria an ethnopharmacological and phytochemical review.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2010.01.006

3) A comprehensive review on phytochemistry, pharmacology, and flavonoid biosynthesis of Scutellaria baicalensis.

https://doi.org/10.1080/13880209.2018.1492620

4) Scutellaria baicalensis extract and baicalein inhibit replication of SARS-CoV-2 and its 3C-like protease in vitro.

https://doi.org/10.1080/14756366.2021.1873977

5) Identification of pyrogallol as a warhead in design of covalent inhibitors for the SARS-CoV-2 3CL protease.

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-021-23751-3


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