Comprehensive Transcriptomic Analysis of Lignan Biosynthesis in Schisandra sphenanthera Unveiling Key Regulators in Schisantherin A Synthesis

Schisandra sphenanthera is a dioecious medicinal plant valued in traditional Chinese medicine for its diverse therapeutic lignans. S. sphenanthera is cultivated across China for its fruits and seeds which contain bioactive compounds such as schisandrin and gomisin A, known for pharmacological activities including hepatoprotection, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory effects. However, the current understanding of lignan biosynthesis and regulation in S. sphenanthera remains limited. While studies have identified specific lignans in different parts of the plant, little is known about developmental and tissue-specific variability in lignan accumulation within S. sphenanthera. Furthermore, the genetic factors governing lignan biosynthesis have not been fully elucidated. To address these gaps, this study performed an integrated quantification and transcriptomic analysis to systematically investigate the distribution and genetic regulation of key lignans across tissues in S. sphenanthera.