An efficient approach to finding Siraitia grosvenorii triterpene biosynthetic genes by RNA-seq and digital gene expression analysis
2011

Identifying Genes for Sweetness in Siraitia grosvenorii

publication Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Tang Qi, Ma Xiaojun, Mo Changming, Wilson Iain W, Song Cai, Zhao Huan, Yang Yanfang, Fu Wei, Qiu Deyou

Primary Institution: Institute of Medicinal Plant, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences

Hypothesis

What are the genes involved in the biosynthesis of mogrosides in Siraitia grosvenorii?

Conclusion

The study successfully identified candidate genes involved in the biosynthesis of mogrosides, which are responsible for the sweetness of Siraitia grosvenorii.

Supporting Evidence

  • The study generated over 48 million high-quality reads from a cDNA library.
  • A total of 43,891 unigenes were assembled from the sequencing data.
  • Seven CYP450s and five UDPGs were identified as potential candidates for mogrosides biosynthesis.

Takeaway

Scientists figured out which genes help make the sweet stuff in a plant called Siraitia grosvenorii, which is used in medicine and as a sweetener.

Methodology

RNA-seq and digital gene expression analysis were used to study the transcriptome of Siraitia grosvenorii fruit at different developmental stages.

Limitations

The study primarily focuses on the late steps of mogrosides biosynthesis, which remain poorly understood.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2164-12-343

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