Deciphering the molecular mechanisms of oil palm lipid metabolism through combined metabolomics and transcriptomics

Abstract

Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) is a vital tropical crop widely utilized in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, owing to its high oil yield and economic importance. Understanding the dynamic lipid composition changes and regulatory mechanisms driving lipid biosynthesis during fruit development is crucial for enhancing oil quality and productivity. This study employed a comprehensive metabolomic and transcriptomic analysis to identify key regulators of lipid biosynthesis in oil palm. Lipid profiling using LC-MS/MS was conducted on mesocarp tissues at three critical developmental stages—95 days (MS1 and MT1), 125 days (MS2 and MT2), and 185 days (MS3 and MT3) post-pollination—in both seedless (MS) and thin (MT) oil palm varieties. A metabolomics study identified 30 metabolites during the development of MS and MT. Our findings reveal a complex interplay between metabolites and gene expression, with 8208 differentially expressed genes identified between the MS and MT varieties. Key lipid species, including saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, were detected throughout fruit development, with significant changes in their composition observed across the three developmental stages. Notably, correlation analysis between metabolites and gene expression uncovered significant associations, pinpointing candidate genes likely regulating lipid biosynthesis. Specifically, our results highlight the involvement of genes involved in fatty acid synthesis, lipid modification, and lipid transport, providing new insights into the molecular mechanisms governing lipid metabolism in oil palm. This research provides novel insights into the complex regulatory networks governing lipid biosynthesis in oil palm, highlighting potential targets for genetic improvement to optimize oil yield and quality, ultimately benefiting the food industry.