Tree Genetics and Molecular Breeding 2025, Vol.15, No.5, 202-210 http://genbreedpublisher.com/index.php/tgmb 205 3.3 Potential of heterologous systems for producing T. grandis-derived compounds In heterologous systems (such as yeast and Arabidopsis thaliana), scientists have successfully expressed the key metabolic genes of Torreya grandis to efficiently synthesize squalene and β -sitosterol. For instance, after introducing the TgSQS gene into Arabidopsis thaliana, not only were the contents of squalene and β -sitosterol increased, but also the drought resistance of the plants was enhanced (Zhang et al., 2023). In addition, the gene functions related to the synthesis of flavonoids and tocopherols in Torreya grandis have also been analyzed, providing resources for their expression and large-scale production in microbial or plant cell factories (Lou et al., 2019; Tao et al., 2024; Wang et al., 2024). These research achievements have laid a foundation for the green manufacturing and industrial application of high-value components of Torreya grandis. 4 Sustainable Utilization Pathways 4.1 Enhancing seed oil yield and nutritional composition Torreya grandis seeds are rich in unsaturated fatty acids, proteins and nutrients, and are an important edible and medicinal resource. Researchers have identified key genes related to lipid and amino acid synthesis, such as TgOLEO1, TgCLO1, TgSLO1, TgDAHP2, and TgASA1, through molecular breeding, transcriptome and metabolome analysis. These findings provide a theoretical basis for breeding varieties with high oil and high nutrition (Ding et al., 2020; Lou et al., 2022). In terms of cultivation management, reasonably controlling the supply of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus, combined with organic management, can improve the quality and yield of seeds and reduce the environmental pressure caused by excessive fertilization (Han et al., 2021; Fan et al., 2025). Suo et al. 's research in 2025 demonstrated that in the post-harvest stage, treatment with ethylene can further enhance the oil content and nut quality. 4.2 Valorization of by-products (shells, leaves, and timber) The by-products such as the shells, leaves and wood of Torreya grandis also have development value. For instance, shells can be made into biochar to restore soil contaminated by heavy metals, which not only improves soil properties but also promotes crop growth (Li et al., 2025). The protein by-products after seed oil extraction can obtain bioactive peptides with antioxidant activity through enzymatic hydrolysis, which can be used in functional foods and natural additives (Luo et al., 2021). In addition, leaves and wood can also be used as raw materials for under-forest economy, eco-tourism and cultural products, increasing the comprehensive benefits of forestry (Chen and Jin, 2018). 4.3 Integration of T. grandis cultivation with agroforestry and ecological conservation The traditional cultivation system of Torreya grandis often ensures high yield, maintains genetic diversity and performs ecological service functions through grafting and mixed planting (GT and NGT tree types) (Zhang et al., 2019). Combined with agroforestry systems, it can also enhance land use efficiency and promote biodiversity and the stability of ecosystems (Chen and Jin, 2018). In addition, by rationally planning the planting area and combining remote sensing and topographic analysis, precise planting and management can be achieved, reducing the damage to the original forest land (Chen and Chen, 2019; Lyu et al., 2025). To maintain the ecological health of the ancient Torreya grandis forest, it is also necessary to regulate the soil microbial community and manage soil pH (Wang et al., 2022a). 5 Multi-omics and Systems Biology Integration 5.1 Genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic resources In recent years, there have been an increasing number of multi-omics research resources. Full-length transcriptome sequencing has identified key enzyme genes for tocopherol (vitamin E) synthesis, such as TgVTE2b and TgVTE4. Lou et al. (2019) hold that the expression differences of these genes among different varieties and developmental stages are closely related to the accumulation of tocopherols, providing a basis for molecular-assisted breeding. The combined analysis of the transcriptome and metabolome also revealed the synthetic networks of nutrients such as amino acids and flavonoids, and identified multiple key genes and transcription factors (Lou et al., 2022; Tao et al., 2024). Proteomic and metabolomic data demonstrated the molecular responses of Torreya grandis to low phosphorus or nanoplastic stress (Yu et al., 2022; Wang et al., 2024).
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