Genetic and Geographic Patterns of Woody Plant Biosynthesis

Abstract The conservation of biodiversity is important for a number of reasons, one of which being drug discovery. Such conservation would benefit from better understanding of the geographical and genetic patterns of natural product (NP) biosynthesis in plants. Here, we integrate publicly accessible next-generation sequencing and species distribution data of 1,612 woody plant species and their 166 enzymes and establish critical metrics to highlight specific enzyme-rich regions. Our results show that species with patulone-forming prenyltransferase, which catalyzes patulone, a potential bioactive compounds in treating disease mediated by platelet-activating factor, are mainly distributed in the South Central region of the United States, while those with enzymes associated with shikonin derivatives biosynthesis, which are associated with potent anti-cancer activity, are mainly found in certain regions of Asia. Those species distribution patterns are different from the species richness. Moreover, we analyse the complex interplay between numerous enzymes in biosynthetic pathways using shikonin and benzylisoquinoline alkaloids biosynthesis as examples. We detect contrasting geographical distribution patterns, with shikonin derivatives biosynthesis confined to specific regions and benzylisoquinoline alkaloids biosynthesis more globally distributed. These findings suggest policymakers adopt biodiversity conservation policies based on not only the species richness and threat level but also the genetic resources embedded in species. The maps presented in this study will help understand and set such policies.