Biotechnology Bulletin ›› 2026, Vol. 42 ›› Issue (6): 279-293.doi: 10.13560/j.cnki.biotech.bull.1985.2025-0927

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Combined Metabolomic and Transcriptomic Analysis in Different Parts of Paphiopedilum purpuratum

WANG Jia-bin1(), HU Yue2, CHEN Jia-jie1, WANG Meng2, HE Xiu-yun1, LI Zhi-yong2, LI Jian2, WANG Mei-na2()   

  1. 1.Zhongshan Nature Reserve Management Center, Zhongshan 528400
    2.The National Orchid Conservation Center of China and The Orchid Conservation Research Center of Shenzhen, Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Orchid Conservation and Utilization, and Key Laboratory of National Forestry and Grassland Administration for Orchid Conservation and Utilization, Shenzhen 518114
  • Received:2025-08-27 Online:2026-06-26 Published:2026-07-11
  • Contact: WANG Mei-na E-mail:44376283@qq.com;snow-wmn2005@163.com

Abstract:

Objective This study elucidated the functional differentiation mechanism across Paphiopedilum purpuratum tissues and systematically revealed its metabolite distribution characteristics, gene expression patterns, and metabolism-gene co-regulation network through multi-omics strategies, which may provide a molecular basis for understanding species environmental adaptability. Method Non-targeted metabolomic analysis (UHPLC-MS/MS) were used to compare metabolites differences in leaves (SL), flowers (SF), and roots (SR) of P. purpuratum. Transcriptome sequencing was used to identify differentially expressed genes, followed by metabolite-gene co-expression network construction. Result The 2 164 metabolites (1 471 positive ion mode, 693 negative ion mode) were identified in metabolomics, with significant inter-group differences: SL vs. SF (499 positive and 193 negative ion mode metabolites), SL vs. SR (534 and 243), SF vs. SR (433 and 187). KEGG enrichment analysis showed differential metabolite enrichment in phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, flavonoid biosynthesis, and linoleic acid metabolism pathways. Transcriptomic analysis revealed profound tissue-specific gene expression: Photosynthetic genes (e.g., sqdB, DVR) were significantly upregulated in the leaves; second, fragrance/pigment synthesis genes (e.g., FAH, crtZ) were highly expressed in the flowers; and third, stress-responsive genes (e.g., CCR, GPAT) were upregulated in the roots. Key regulators were identified via co-expression network analysis: such as INO80B (regulating flavonoid synthesis), CCT1 (regulating terpene metabolism), and CCR (involved in root defense), revealing core metabolite synthesis regulatory mechanisms. Conclusion Integrated metabolomic and transcriptomic analysis demonstrates that P. purpuratum forms its ecological adaptability molecular mechanism through three tissue-specific “metabolism-gene” coordinated regulatory networks: The synergy of photosynthesis and stress resistance in its leaves, the attraction of pollination in its flowers, and the stress defense in its roots.

Key words: Paphiopedilum purpuratum, functional differentiation, transcriptome, metabolome, correlation analysis, multi-omics integration, tissue specificity, coordinated regulation