Multiomic Analysis Reveals Core Regulatory Mechanisms underlying Steroidal Glycoalkaloid Metabolism in Potato Tubers

Steroidal glycoalkaloids (SGAs) present in germinated potato tubers are toxic; however, the mechanisms underlying SGA metabolism are poorly understood. Therefore, integrated transcriptome, metabolome, and hormone analyses were performed in this study to identify and characterize the key regulatory genes, metabolites, and phytohormones related to glycoalkaloid regulation. Based on transcriptome sequencing of bud eyes of germinated and dormant potato tubers, a total of 6260 differentially expressed genes were identified, which were mainly responsible for phytohormone signal transduction, carbohydrate metabolism, and secondary metabolite biosynthesis. Two TCP14 genes were identified as the core transcription factors that potentially regulate SGA synthesis. Metabolite analysis indicated that 149 significantly different metabolites were detected, and they were enriched in metabolic and biosynthetic pathways of secondary metabolites. In these pathways, the alpha-solanine content was increased and the expression of genes related to glycoalkaloid biosynthesis was upregulated. Levels of gibberellin and jasmonic acid were increased, whereas that of abscisic acid was decreased. This study lays a foundation for investigating the biosynthesis and regulation of SGAs and provides the reference for the production and consumption of potato tubers.

Automated summary

This study identified key regulatory genes, metabolites, and phytohormones related to glycoalkaloid regulation in germinated potato tubers through integrated transcriptome, metabolome, and hormone analyses. The findings lay a foundation for investigating the biosynthesis and regulation of SGAs, and provide reference for the production and consumption of potato tubers.