Plants have developed an extraordinary ability to synthesize a diverse array of secondary metabolites. These compounds are essential not only for plant growth and reproduction but also for defense against herbivores and pathogens, and for adaptation to changing environmental conditions. Impressively, many of these metabolites have been harnessed for human use as nutritional supplements, pharmaceuticals, and agrochemicals, with well-known examples including paclitaxel and artemisinin. Currently, the primary source of these valuable compounds remains plants themselves. Exploring the evolutionary mechanisms, pathways of accumulation, and opportunities for metabolic engineering of plant secondary metabolites holds great promise for enhancing plant growth, increasing agricultural yields, and sustainably sourcing these metabolites.The inherent complexity and often low abundance of plant secondary metabolites present significant challenges to their large-scale extraction and utilization. Nevertheless, the rapid advancements in multi-omics technologies, coupled with breakthroughs in molecular biology, bioinformatics, and protein engineering, are revolutionizing our ability to study and harness these metabolites. This research topic aims to compile a comprehensive collection of scientific articles that delve into the evolution, accumulation, and metabolic engineering of plant secondary metabolite.We invite submissions of original research or review articles related to but not limited to the following themes:• The impact of elicitors and exogenous stresses: Examining how specific environmental factors and stressors stimulate the biosynthesis and accumulation of secondary metabolites in plants, and how these factors can be leveraged to enhance metabolite production.• Identification of transcription factors or genes: Exploring the roles of key transcription factors and genes in regulating the biosynthetic pathways of plant secondary metabolites, and uncovering potential targets for genetic intervention to boost metabolite yields.• Elucidation of the evolution of metabolic pathways: Investigate the evolutionary origins and diversification of secondary metabolic pathways, providing insights into how plants have adapted to environmental pressures and how these pathways can be engineered for improved metabolite synthesis.• Increasing yield through metabolic engineering: Research regarding innovative strategies to enhance the production of plant secondary metabolites using metabolic engineering techniques.
Plants have developed an extraordinary ability to synthesize a diverse array of secondary metabolites. These compounds are essential not only for plant growth and reproduction but also for defense against herbivores and pathogens, and for adaptation to changing environmental conditions. Impressively, many of these metabolites have been harnessed for human use as nutritional supplements, pharmaceuticals, and agrochemicals, with well-known examples including paclitaxel and artemisinin. Currently, the primary source of these valuable compounds remains plants themselves. Exploring the evolutionary mechanisms, pathways of accumulation, and opportunities for metabolic engineering of plant secondary metabolites holds great promise for enhancing plant growth, increasing agricultural yields, and sustainably sourcing these metabolites.The inherent complexity and often low abundance of plant secondary metabolites present significant challenges to their large-scale extraction and utilization. Nevertheless, the rapid advancements in multi-omics technologies, coupled with breakthroughs in molecular biology, bioinformatics, and protein engineering, are revolutionizing our ability to study and harness these metabolites. This research topic aims to compile a comprehensive collection of scientific articles that delve into the evolution, accumulation, and metabolic engineering of plant secondary metabolite.We invite submissions of original research or review articles related to but not limited to the following themes:• The impact of elicitors and exogenous stresses: Examining how specific environmental factors and stressors stimulate the biosynthesis and accumulation of secondary metabolites in plants, and how these factors can be leveraged to enhance metabolite production.• Identification of transcription factors or genes: Exploring the roles of key transcription factors and genes in regulating the biosynthetic pathways of plant secondary metabolites, and uncovering potential targets for genetic intervention to boost metabolite yields.• Elucidation of the evolution of metabolic pathways: Investigate the evolutionary origins and diversification of secondary metabolic pathways, providing insights into how plants have adapted to environmental pressures and how these pathways can be engineered for improved metabolite synthesis.• Increasing yield through metabolic engineering: Research regarding innovative strategies to enhance the production of plant secondary metabolites using metabolic engineering techniques.