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Whole‐genome sequence data of Hypericum perforatum and functional characterization of melatonin biosynthesis by N‐acetylserotonin O‐methyltransferase
Author(s) -
Zhou Wen,
Wang Ying,
Li Bin,
Petijová Linda,
Hu Suying,
Zhang Qian,
Niu Junfeng,
Wang Donghao,
Wang Shiqiang,
Dong Yang,
Čellárová Eva,
Wang Zhezhi
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of pineal research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.881
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1600-079X
pISSN - 0742-3098
DOI - 10.1111/jpi.12709
Subject(s) - hyperforin , hypericum perforatum , biology , melatonin , mutant , arabidopsis , secondary metabolite , genetics , genome , gene , pharmacology , neuroscience
Abstract Hypericum perforatum is among the most commonly used herbal remedies and supplements. The aerial plant parts are often used to treat depression. Due to the lack of genomic information of H. perforatum , the gene networks regulating secondary metabolite synthesis remain unclear. Here, we present a high‐quality genome for H . perforatum with a 2.3‐Mb scaffold N50. The draft assembly covers 91.9% of the predicted genome and represents the fourth sequenced genus in the order Malpighiales. Comparing this sequence with model or related species revealed that Populus trichocarpa and Hevea brasiliensis could be grouped into one branch, while H. perforatum and Linum usitatissimum are grouped in another branch. Combined with transcriptome data, 40 key genes related to melatonin, hyperforin, and hypericin synthesis were screened and analyzed. Five N‐acetylserotonin O‐methyltransferases (HpASMT1‐HpASMT5) were cloned and functionally characterized. Purified HpASMT3 protein converted N‐acetylserotonin into melatonin with a V max of about 1.35 pkat/mg protein. HpASMT1 and HpASMT3 overexpression in Arabidopsis mutants caused 1.5‐2‐fold higher melatonin content than in mutant and wild‐type plants. The endogenous reactive oxygen species (ROS) in transgenic plants was significantly lower than ROS in mutant and wild‐type plants, suggesting higher drought tolerance. The obtained genomic data offer new resources for further study on the evolution of Hypericaceae family, but also provide a basis for further study of melatonin biosynthetic pathways in other plants.