Panax notoginseng Transcriptome or Gene expression

Panax notoginseng (PN) is a well-known traditional Chinese medicine containing essential medicinal ginsenosides. Considering the economic and therapeutic significance of ginsenosides, this study explored the detailed mechanisms underlying the biosynthesis of ginsenoside Rb3 in PN flowers. We examined this process from the pre-differentiation stage (T0) to the end of flowering (T5) to gain insights into the intricate biochemical pathways underlying ginsenoside production in PN. This study identified the budding stage (T2) as critical for enhanced production of ginsenoside Rb3. Transcriptomic analysis revealed a significant transformation in gene expression beginning at T2, with an increase in pathways associated with secondary metabolite production. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) further illuminated the upregulation of genes involved in terpenoid backbone synthesis, amino acid degradation, and terpenoid modifications, specifically at the T2 stage.