目的 系统解析虎杖Polygonum cuspidatum UDP-糖基转移酶（UDP-glycosyltransferases，UGT）基因家族的组成及结构特征，并分析其在药材不同组织中的表达特征，以及在白藜芦醇和大黄素糖苷化过程中的潜在功能，为阐明虎杖药效物质生物合成机制提供基础。方法 利用虎杖基因组数据对UGT基因家族进行全基因组鉴定，分析其理化性质、染色体定位、基因结构、保守基序及顺式调控元件，结合系统发育树、基因复制事件和蛋白互作网络揭示其进化特征；结合转录组与代谢组数据进行相关性分析获取代表性基因，并利用qRT-PCR进行验证。结果 虎杖全基因组中共鉴定出UGT基因家族成员178个，分为14个亚类，具有丰富的结构与功能多样性。成员在染色体上分布不均，部分基因可能来源于串联和片段复制扩张。启动子区域顺式元件与胁迫、激素响应密切相关，富含与发育、压力等响应调控相关元件。表达量相关性分析结果显示，PcUGT065、PcUGT130等基因与白藜芦醇、大黄素及其糖苷类物质的合成显著相关，qRT-PCR分析验证了转录组数据的可靠性。结论 虎杖UGT基因家族具有明显的结构保守性与表达差异性，部分成员参与白藜芦醇与大黄素的结构修饰，为深入研究虎杖活性产物的生物合成机制及其分子育种提供了基础。

Objective To systematically analyze the composition, structural characteristics of the UDP-glucosyltransferase (UGT) gene family in Polygonum cuspidatum, investigate its expression patterns across different root tissues, as well as its potential roles in the glycosylation of resveratrol and emodin, so as to provides a theoretical foundation for elucidating the biosynthetic mechanisms of active metabolites. Methods The UGT gene family of P. cuspidatum was identified at the genome-wide level based on transcriptome and genomic datasets. Analyses of physicochemical properties, chromosomal localization, gene structure, conserved motifs and cis-regulatory elements were then performed. The evolutionary characteristics were analyzed through phylogenetic reconstruction, gene duplication analysis and protein interaction network prediction. Correlation analysis integrating transcriptomic and metabolomic data was conducted, and six representative genes potentially involved in the glycosylation of resveratrol and emodin were selected for validation using qRT-PCR. Results A total of 178 UGT genes were identified and grouped into 14 subfamilies, exhibiting substantial structural and functional diversity. The gene family members were unevenly distributed in chromosomes, and several genes were likely generated through tandem or segmental duplication events. Promoter analysis revealed that cis-acting elements were predominantly associated with stress and hormone responses, as well as developmental regulation. Expression correlation heatmaps indicated that genes such as PcUGT065 and PcUGT130 showed strong correlation with resveratrol, emodin, and their glycosylated derivatives. The qRT-PCR results further confirmed the reliability of transcriptome-based expression patterns. Conclusion The UGT gene family in P. cuspidatum exhibits clear structural conservation along with distinct expression divergence. Several members may participate in the modification of resveratrol and emodin. This study provides a theoretical basis for future investigations into the biosynthetic mechanisms of active metabolites in P. cuspidatum and offers insights for its molecular breeding.

R282.12

湖北省自然科学基金资助项目（2023AFD122）；湖北省高等学校优秀中青年科技创新团队计划（T2022020）