Spatiotemporal Distribution Patterns of Osthole and Expression Correlation of the MOT1 Homologue in Cultivated Angelica biserrata

TL;DR

This study explores how Osthole, a valuable compound in Angelica biserrata, accumulates in different plant parts and how a gene called AbOMT1 might control this process.

Contribution

The study identifies AbOMT1 as a potential key gene for Osthole accumulation and highlights frost exposure as a strong regulator of yield.

Findings

Root bark accumulates Osthole at 0.30 ± 0.15%, much higher than other plant parts.

Osthole content increases by 195% from September to December, with frost boosting it further by 170%.

AbOMT1 expression correlates with Osthole accumulation in both space and time.

Abstract

Sustainable cultivation of Angelica biserrata, a medicinal species with a bioactive coumarin, Osthole, is hindered by inconsistent metabolite accumulation. To address this limitation, we integrated spatiotemporal metabolomics and transcriptomic analyses. Tissue-specific measurements revealed that root bark accumulates Osthole at 0.30 ± 0.15%, a concentration 11-fold higher compared to root pith and 15–30-fold higher compared to aerial organs. Over time, the Osthole content increased by 195% from September to December, with frost exposure further increasing the accumulation by an additional 170%. Germplasm screening identified an elite accession, AB-222, exhibiting 230% higher Osthole content compared to regional averages. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis identified a gene module strongly correlating with Osthole accumulation. Within this module, AbOMT1 (AB04G05077), an O-METHYLTRANSFERASE 1 (OMT1) homolog encoding an S-adenosyl methionine-dependent O-methyltransferase, was the top hub gene. AbOMT1 expression reflected Osthole dynamics both spatially (three-fold higher in root bark vs. root pith) and temporally. Module functional analysis revealed significant enrichment in phenylpropanoid and monoterpenoid biosynthesis pathways. Our results suggest AbOMT1 as a possible key molecular marker for Osthole accumulation, establish frost induction as a strong yield regulator, and suggest AB-222 as an elite germplasm resource.

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