Leveraging next-generation sequencing technology for the study of ginsenosides biosynthesis and exploring DNA markers in the endemic species Panax vietnamensis.

Abstract

Panax species, particularly Panax ginseng, Panax quinquefolius, and Panax vietnamensis are renowned for their medicinal properties and economic value. Of these, the endemic P. vietnamensis species (native to Vietnam, Laos, and southern China) is currently receiving focused attention due to its special ginsenosides accumulation in comparison to the others. Recent advances in next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies have accelerated the molecular genetic studies in this Panax species, providing deeper insights into the ginsenosides biosynthesis pathway as well as other aspects such as genetic diversity and molecular evolution. This work aims to systematically review all studies on the application of NGS in P. vietnamensis, particularly in whole-genome sequencing and transcriptome analysis. These key findings significantly contribute to identifying critical genes involved in ginsenosides biosynthesis, developing various DNA markers (such as SSR and SNP) for molecular genetic studies, and gaining insights into the species' molecular evolution. Based on these findings, future research can further expand to complete the full genomic database of this species and further investigate the underlying regulatory mechanisms of ginsenosides biosynthesis. These efforts will be crucial for enhancing the conservation, molecular breeding, and agricultural productivity of this valuable medicinal species.