Comparative analysis of key flavonoid synthesis genes in the transcriptome of Cayratia Japonica and therapeutic target prediction for ulcerative colitis

Cayratia japonica is a traditional Chinese herbal plant rich in flavonoid compounds, with anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Although Cayratia japonica has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries, the mechanisms underlying flavonoid biosynthesis in this plant remain largely unexplored. In this study, combining transcriptomics and bioinformatics, we constructed a transcriptome database for three tissues of Cayratia japonica. We identified 38 unigenes related to the flavonoid biosynthetic pathway. Pearson’s correlation analysis indicated that the expression levels of three key enzyme-encoding genes in the flavonoid biosynthetic pathway (a 4-coumarate-CoA ligase gene (DN990) and two chalcone isomerase genes (DN1381, DN2421)) were significantly and positively correlated with the total flavonoid content. Subsequently, the tertiary structures of 4-coumarate-CoA ligase and chalcone isomerases were constructed, and structure-based docking analysis was carried o ut. The expression levels of 16 key enzyme genes in the flavonoid biosynthetic pathway were verified using quantitative reverse transcription-PCR. Four MYB transcription factors involved in flavonoid biosynthesis were also identified. In addition, five potentially important therapeutic targets for Ulcerative colitis were predicted through network pharmacological analysis. This study provides references for understanding the mechanisms involved in the regulation of key enzyme-encoding genes in the flavonoid biosynthetic pathway, as well as a scientific basis for the further development of the medicinal potential of Cayratia japonica.