Unraveling the Genes Behind Ginseng's Powerful Components

Jim Crocker
16th January, 2024

Unraveling the Genes Behind Ginseng's Powerful Components

Ginseng (Panax ginseng)

Photo adapted from: Nina Filippova / CC BY (Source)
Ginseng has a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly in Asia, and its medicinal properties are largely attributed to compounds called ginsenosides[2]. Demand for ginseng has led to efforts to improve its cultivation, including developing new varieties with higher ginsenoside content and resistance to disease[2]. Understanding the genetic mechanisms controlling ginsenoside production is therefore crucial for breeding improved ginseng plants. Researchers at Jilin Agricultural University recently conducted a study[1] to investigate a family of genes called TCP, which are known to influence plant growth, development, and the production of important compounds. The study focused on identifying and characterizing the TCP genes present in ginseng. TCP genes are a type of ‘transcription factor’ – proteins that control which genes are switched on or off within a cell. They act like molecular switches, regulating various biological processes. The researchers utilized an existing database of ginseng genetic information to identify 78 different TCP gene variants in ginseng. These genes were then grouped into three main subfamilies – CIN, PCF, and CYC/TB1 – based on their genetic similarities. A key aspect of the research involved mapping the location of these TCP genes on the ginseng chromosomes. They found that 63 of the genes were located on 17 of the 24 chromosomes that make up the ginseng genome. This chromosomal mapping provides valuable information for understanding how these genes are inherited and how they might be manipulated through breeding programs. The researchers also examined where and when these genes are active within the ginseng plant, finding that their activity varied depending on the plant part and stage of development. Further analysis revealed patterns in how the TCP genes interact with each other. Using a technique called coexpression network analysis, the team identified groups of TCP genes that tend to be active at the same time, suggesting they work together to regulate specific processes. Interestingly, they observed that genes from the PCF subfamily tended to have reduced activity, while those from the CIN and CYC/TB1 subfamilies showed increased activity. This suggests a potential role for TCP genes in regulating the production of ginsenosides. To investigate this further, the researchers focused on a specific TCP gene, PgTCP26-02, which appeared to be linked to ginsenoside synthesis. They analysed its predicted protein structure and its expression pattern – where and when it is active in the plant. The findings support the idea that TCP genes play a role in controlling the production of these important medicinal compounds. This research builds upon previous work highlighting the genetic diversity within ginseng[3]. The development of a ‘mini-core collection’ of ginseng varieties allowed researchers to analyse a wide range of genetic variations, including those related to ginsenoside content[3]. The current study adds to this knowledge by pinpointing specific genes, the TCP family, that contribute to this variation. Furthermore, the understanding of how plant hormones like jasmonates influence secondary metabolite production[4][5] provides a context for how TCP genes might be regulated and contribute to ginsenoside biosynthesis. Jasmonates are known to trigger changes in gene expression, potentially activating TCP genes involved in ginsenoside production.

BiotechGeneticsBiochem

References

Main Study

1) Genome-wide identification and integrated analysis of TCP genes controlling ginsenoside biosynthesis in Panax ginseng.

Published 13th January, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1186/s12870-024-04729-x

Related Studies

2) Characteristics of Panax ginseng Cultivars in Korea and China.

https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25112635

3) Genetic and molecular dissection of ginseng (Panax ginseng Mey.) germplasm using high-density genic SNP markers, secondary metabolites, and gene expressions.

https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2023.1165349

4) Transcriptional machineries in jasmonate-elicited plant secondary metabolism.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tplants.2012.03.001

5) The roles of methyl jasmonate to stress in plants.

https://doi.org/10.1071/FP18106


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