Understanding the biosynthesis and regulatory mechanisms of bioactive compounds in Taraxacum species (dandelions), a model system for natural rubber, food, and medicinal plant biology

Abstract Plants that belong to the genus Taraxacum are commonly referred to as dandelions; these are some of the most evolved plants in the Asteraceae, with more than 2000 species distributed worldwide. Dandelions not only include medicinal plants but also rubber-producing plants. Recent advances in biotechnology and the growing demand for dandelions have increased research attention toward dandelions. Owing to the availability of the whole genome sequence of Taraxacum kok-saghyz, and Taraxacum mongolicum (accession no. GWHBCHF00000000 and GWHAAAA00000000), and large transcriptome and metabolome databases for T. kok-saghyz, Taraxacum officinale, T. mongolicum, and Taraxacum antungense (accession no. PRJNA378120, PRJEB48186, PRJNA897666, and PRJNA578773), significant progress has been made in understanding the biosynthesis and regulatory mechanisms of phenolic acids, flavonoids, terpenoids, rubber, and other bioactive compounds. This review focuses on Taraxacum spp.; specifically, We describe the following: (1) the recent results of genetic transformation systems, (2) biosynthetic pathways of bioactive compounds and natural rubber, (3) cross-talk in the biosynthesis of different secondary metabolites, (4) the relevance of the environment and the reproductive mode of dandelions in secondary metabolite biosynthesis, and (5) future research directives for dandelions. This review also lays the foundation for further research on other medicinal and edible plants.