Comparative transcriptomic analysis and genome-wide identification provide insights into the potential role of fungal-responsive MAPK cascade genes in tanshinone accumulation in Salvia miltiorrohiza

• DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2025.1583953
• Publication Date: 2025-05-23T10:20:35Z
• Authors: Ann Abozeid; Xinru Du; Lan Zhang; Furui Yang; Jianxiong Wu; Lin Zhang; Qi Cui; Zongqi Yang; Dongfeng Yang
• Keywords: MAPK cascade; Identification; RNA-Seq

Salvia miltiorrhiza is a well-known traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for its bioactive tanshinones that are used to treat various diseases and have high antimicrobial properties. Previous studies shown tanshinone accumulation in S. was be significantly induced by fungal elicitors. Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), which play critical roles plant–microbe interactions cellular processes, known regulate the of metabolites. In this study, we aimed identify MAPK families screen SmMAPKs candidates involved elicitor-mediated accumulation. Through genome-wide analysis, identified 17 MAPK, 7 MAPKK, 22 MAPKKK genes , were distributed across nine chromosomes. Phylogenetic analysis classified into two subgroups, TEY TDY, similar Arabidopsis MAPKs, while all SmMAPKKKs clustered under MEKK subfamily. Cis-acting element revealed most SmMAPK associated with stress phytohormone responses suggesting their involvement defense mechanisms. To investigate role s accumulation, hairy roots treated elicitors, yeast extract Aspergillus niger 1 4 days. HPLC demonstrated both elicitors promoted tanshinones, particularly cryptotanshinone dihydrotanshinone. Comprehensive transcriptomic followed Pearson correlation coefficient strong positive between content SmMPK4 SmMPKK5 negative correlations observed SmMPKKK6 SmMPKKK11 SmMPKKK20 . The presence defense-related cis-acting elements promoter regions further supports This study provides insights regulatory response These findings potential applications enhancing production medicinal purposes offering foundation research molecular mechanisms underlying biosynthesis.