Chinese UK Collaboration Deciphers Ancient Chinese Mint's Secret Healing Compounds

Chinese-UK Partnership Deciphers Ancient Mysteries of Medicinal Mint

A pioneering joint effort between the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the John Innes Centre has unveiled the secrets behind a plant that's been utilized for medicinal purposes in Traditional Chinese Medicine TCM for over 2,000 years. This project successfully delivers an advanced reference genome sequence for Scutellaria bcalensis Georgi, commonly known as Chinese Skullcap.

This mint-family herb boasts a reputation worldwide thanks to its therapeutic benefits. Dried roots used in 'Huang Qin' preparations display pharmacological properties derived from unique compounds called flavonoids, which include antibacterial and antiviral capabilities alongside antioxidant, anti-cancer, liver-protective and neuroprotective activities.

Despite high commercial interest and growing demand for Scutellaria, progress through breeding has been constrned by a lack of genome data. Researchers now have access to an 93 assembled genome, divided into nine segments or 'pseudo chromosomes'.

This achievement allows scientists to identify the genes responsible for producing valuable compounds and transform them into drug candidates utilizing metabolic engineering techniques in laboratories. This study published in Molecular Plant is not only a breakthrough for Scutellaria but opens a gateway for genetic exploration of other members of the Lamiaceae family.

This project reveals at its core how the pathway to valuable compounds evolved, commented Professor Cathie Martin, group leader at John Innes Centre and co-author of this study. The quality of our sequence means it can enhance understanding across all existing mint genome sequences. The Lamiaceae or mint family is of paramount importance in Traditional Chinese Medicine TCM and flavorings.

Following the Nobel Prize awarded to Professor You-you Tu for her discovery of artemisinin, a broad-spectrum anti-malarial from Artemesia annua, there has been an increased interest in TCM. Preparations using plants like Shennong Bencaojing The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica have recently proven effective agnst diverse health issues including complementary cancer treatments.

Efforts to refine and understand the genome of Scutellaria bcalensis have already facilitated valuable information that could be applied in developing a wider range of remedies.

Obtning bioactive compounds from the root requires wting three years for the plant to mature, Professor Martin explned. However, screening related mint family members capable of producing similar compounds in their leaves offers an opportunity for more sustnable and adaptable therapeutic options.

The complete study titled 'Reference Genome Sequence of Scutellaria bcalensis Unlocks Insights into Wogonin Biosynthesis' can be accessed through Molecular Plant journal.

Authors to credit:

• Professor Cathie Martin, Group Leader

• Dr Burkhard Steuernagel, Platform Manager

Contact Information:

[email protected]

@JohnInnesCentre

The John Innes Centre, part of the Norwich Research Park in Norwich, UK,

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