Abstract Detail

Genomics / Proteomics

Lane, Amanda [1], Kerry, John [2], Augustin, Megan [3], Kutchan, Toni [4], Leebens-Mack, Jim [5].

Weighted Gene Correlation Network Analysis of Morphine Biosynthesis in Opium Poppy (Papaver somniferum) .

Benzylisoquinoline alkaloids (BIAs) are a large class of plant secondary metabolites that are produced primarily by the Ranunculales. This class includes a variety of current and potential pharmaceutical compounds such as the analgesics morphine and codeine. While many BIAs are produced in a variety of species, morphine is only prodcued by opium poppy (Papaver somniferum. It is unclear why only opium poppy produces morphine and its precursors when closely related species do not. We are taking a network approach to investigate the morphine biosynthesis pathway, its evolution, and identification of candidate regulators in order to elucidate the evolution of this pathway. For this network approach we are utilizing Weighted Gene Correlation Network Analysis (WGCNA), which uses gene expression data to identify modules of co-expressed genes that likely share function and/or regulation. Our dataset for this analysis includes RNA-seq from five tissues each from three individuals that produced varying amounts of morphine. Additionally, we have abundance information for select metaoblites that provides an additional layer of data to indicate the most informative gene modules. Individual gene modules are then diessected for function, relationships with known morphine production enzymes, and representative gene families to identify those genes that are most informative for production of BIAs and evolution of the pathway. These candidates and modules can then be compared between poppy species to highlight evolutionary differences.

1 - University of Georgia, Department of Genetics, 4509 Miller Plant Sciences, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
2 - University of Georgia, Plant Biology, 4509 Miller Plant Sciences, Athens, GA, 30602, United States
3 - Danforth Center, 975 N. Warson Rd, St. Louis, MO, 63132, United States
4 - Danforth Center, 975 N. Warson Rd, St. Louis, MO, 63132, USA
5 - University Of Georgia, 4503 Miller Plant Sciences, Athens, GA, 30602, USA

Keywords:
Transcriptomics
Benzylisoquinoline Alkaloids
network analysis
RNAseq
Papaver somniferum.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 19, Genomics & Proteomics I
Location: 105/Savannah International Trade and Convention Center
Date: Tuesday, August 2nd, 2016
Time: 10:30 AM
Number: 19010
Abstract ID:704
Candidate for Awards:Margaret Menzel Award