Integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic profiling of “Azafràn de Bolita” (Ditaxis heterantha Zucc.): insights into bioactive compounds
Author(s)
Date Issued
2025
Type
conferenceObject
Abstract
Ditaxis heterantha Zucc., a member of the Euphorbiaceae family, grows naturally in the semi-arid regions of Mexico. Locally, it is known as "azafrán de bolita" or "azafrancillo," names inspired by its seeds, which contain a bright orange endosperm traditionally used as a natural dye and culinary additive, much like Crocus sativus L. (saffron).
Previous research has shown that the seeds are a rich source of fatty acids, tocopherols, and phytosterols, all contributing to their notable antioxidant capacity. Notably, in 2005, two previously unknown apocarotenoids, ditaxin (C31) and heteranthin (C27), were identified in the endosperm, adding further depth to the plant’s already complex phytochemical profile. These findings underscore the potential of D. heterantha as a source of new agent for nutraceutical cosmetic and pharmaceutic fields.
In this study, we investigated the cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory potential of D. heterantha extracts in vitro. To comprehensively characterize the plant’s metabolic profile, targeted, untargeted, and spatial metabolomic analyses were conducted on the endosperm, peel, leaves, and roots. These analyses revealed, in addition to various isomers of ditaxin and heterantin, several other bioactive metabolites of potential interest. Cytotoxicity assays demonstrated that treatment with D. heterantha endosperm extract led to significant cytotoxic effects in multiple tumor cell lines, including H1299, A375, PANC-1, and MSTO, accompanied by changes in apoptotic cell populations. Conversely, in HaCaT keratinocyte cells pre-treated with a pro-inflammatory cytokine mix (cytomix) to simulate inflammatory conditions, low concentrations of the extract resulted in downregulation of key pro-inflammatory cytokine genes, indicating an anti-inflammatory response.
Simultaneously, transcriptomic profiling of the leaf and endosperm tissues was carried out to highlight the genes mostly expressed in the different tissues, with a particular emphasis on the enzymes associated to the synthesis of the detected bioactives. To further support species characterization, DNA content and karyotype analyses were conducted using flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy.
The large and complex datasets generated by our multi-omic study is currently used, in a pathway discovery approach, to unravel the biosynthesis of two key apocarotenoids: ditaxin and heteranthin. To achieve this, bioinformatics analyses combining both metabolomic and transcriptomic data are in progress to identify possible carotenoid precursors and the specific genes that drive the synthesis of these apocarotenoids. Future studies will expand to include other enzymes implicated in the biosynthetic pathways of carotenoids and apocarotenoids in D. heterantha. Once a shortlist of gene candidates has been established, their functions will be validated through enzymatic assays conducted in bacterial, yeast, and plant systems.
Conference(s)
Italian Society of Agricultural Genetics LXVIII Annual Congress