Bioscience Evidence 2024, Vol.14, No.2, 56-68 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/be 58 The medicinal applications of R. glutinosa are deeply rooted in its ability to tonify the blood and nourish the yin, making it a vital component in TCM formulations (Ota et al., 2019). 3.2 Ethnopharmacological significance The ethnopharmacological significance of Rehmannia glutinosa extends beyond its traditional uses in TCM. The plant is also recognized in Korean and Japanese traditional medicine systems, where it is valued for its tonic effects (Jeon et al., 2019). Ethnopharmacological studies have highlighted the plant's potential in modern medicine, particularly in the management of diabetes-induced osteoporosis. Gong et al. (2019) used R. glutinosa extract on streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats to observe its effects on bone density, bone microstructure, and biochemical markers. The results showed that Rehmannia extract significantly increased bone density and improved bone microstructure in diabetic rats, enhanced the activity of bone formation marker ALP, and reduced the levels of bone resorption marker OCN. CAT, ACT, and ECH significantly promoted the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts damaged by high glucose and enhanced bone formation by regulating the IGF-1/PI3K/mTOR signaling pathway (Figure 1). Extracts fromR. glutinosa have been shown to prevent bone loss and enhance osteoblastic bone formation by regulating the IGF-1/PI3K/mTOR pathway, demonstrating its relevance in contemporary therapeutic contexts (Gong et al., 2019). Additionally, the processing methods of RR, such as steaming and pretreatment with liquor, have been investigated for their impact on the plant's immunostimulatory effects, further underscoring its pharmacological importance (Ota et al., 2019). 4 Genomic Studies of Rehmannia glutinosa 4.1 Overview of genomic research Rehmannia glutinosa, a perennial herb widely used in traditional Chinese medicine, has been the subject of various genomic studies aimed at understanding its genetic makeup and medicinal properties (Kim et al., 2020). These studies have employed advanced genomic techniques to explore the plant's gene content, structure, and functional pathways, providing valuable insights into its biological and pharmacological characteristics. 4.2 Methodologies in genome sequencing The extraction of high-quality DNA is a critical step in genome sequencing. In the case of Rehmannia glutinosa, various sequencing technologies have been employed (Gong et al., 2019) For instance, the use of next-generation sequencing (NGS) has been pivotal in confirming gene editing events, such as the CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout of the phytoene desaturase (PDS) gene, which resulted in albino plants (Li et al., 2021). Additionally, whole-genome Illumina sequencing has been utilized to complete the chloroplast genomes of R. glutinosa, revealing significant intra-species diversity (Jeon et al., 2019). Genome assembly and annotation involve piecing together the sequenced fragments and identifying functional elements within the genome. In Rehmannia glutinosa, de novo assembly techniques have been used to construct comprehensive transcriptomes, which have facilitated the identification of key genes involved in the biosynthesis of medicinal compounds such as catalpol and acteoside (Zhi et al., 2018). Furthermore, the annotation of chloroplast genomes has provided insights into the genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships within the species (Jeon et al., 2019). 4.3 Key Findings from genome sequencing Genomic studies have revealed a wealth of information about the gene content and structure of Rehmannia glutinosa. For example, the identification and characterization of PAL family genes have shown their involvement in phenolic biosynthesis, which is crucial for the plant's medicinal properties (Yang et al., 2020). Additionally, the sequencing of chloroplast genomes has identified 114 coding regions, including 80 protein-coding genes, 4 rRNA genes, and 30 tRNA genes, highlighting the complexity of the plant's genetic makeup (Jeon et al., 2019). Comparative genomics has been instrumental in understanding the evolutionary relationships and genetic diversity within the Rehmannia genus. Studies have shown that R. glutinosa shares a close phylogenetic relationship with
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ4ODYzMg==