Transcriptome analysis reveals genes related to the synthesis and metabolism of cell wall polysaccharides in goji berry (Lycium barbarum L.) from various regions

Abstract BACKGROUND In goji berries ( Lycium barbarum L.), the cell wall properties and ripening environment affect fruit quality and their economic benefits. However, the mechanism underlying the cell wall remains to be fully elucidated. RESULTS The results showed that total sugar content was higher in Qinghai berries (13.87%, P < 0.01), whereas cellulose content peaked in Zhongning berries (28%, P < 0.05). Arabinose, galactose, and galacturonic acid were the principal components of the cell wall polysaccharides in goji berries. Among them, the content of galactose in Zhongning was significantly the highest ( P < 0.05). Interestingly, we found that highly expressed β‐glucosidase and lowly expressed endoglucanase led to cellulose accumulation by RNA‐sequencing analysis. The expression analysis results suggested that pectate lyase and pectinesterase enzymes could be major factors related to higher galactose and galacturonic acid contents in Zhongning compared to in Qinghai and Gansu. The starch and sucrose metabolism pathway, pentose and glucuronate interconversions pathway, and galactose metabolism pathway played a significant role in cell wall polysaccharide synthesis and metabolism. CONCLUSION In the present study, we aimed to provide some insights into the cell wall on polysaccharide composition, structural features, and gene analysis in goji berries from Zhongning, Qinghai, and Gansu in China. These results might help to clarify the molecular function of the major genes in the cell wall polysaccharides of goji berries and provide a solid foundation for further study. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.