RNA‐Seq transcriptomic analyses of Antrodia camphorata to determine antroquinonol and antrodin C biosynthetic mechanisms in the in situ extractive fermentation

Abstract BACKGROUND In situ extractive fermentation (ISEF) is an important technique for improving metabolite productivity. The different extractants can induce the synthesis of different bioactive metabolites of Antrodia camphorata during ISEF. However, a lack of research on the molecular genetics of A. camphorata during ISEF currently hinders such studies on metabolite biosynthetic mechanisms. RESULTS To clarify the differentially expressed genes during ISEF, the gene transcriptional expression features of A. camphorata S‐29 were analysed. The addition of n ‐tetradecane as an extractant during ISEF showed more pronounced up‐regulation of ubiquinone and other terpenoid‐quinone biosynthesis pathway genes (CoQ2, wrbA and ARO8). When oleic acid was used as an extractant, the terpenoid backbone biosynthesis and ubiquinone and other terpenoid‐quinone biosynthesis pathways were significantly enriched, and genes (IDI, E2.3.3.10, HMGCR atoB, and CoQ2) related to these two pathways were also significantly up‐regulated. The CoQ2 genes encode puru‐hydroxybenzoate:polyprenyltransferase, playing an important role in antroquinonol synthesis. The IDI, E2.3.3.10, HMGCR and atoB genes of the terpenoid backbone biosynthesis pathway might play an important role in the synthesis of the triquine‐type sesquiterpene antrodin C. CONCLUSION This investigation advances our understanding of how two different extractants of n ‐tetradecane and oleic acid affect the biosynthesis of metabolites in A. camphorata . It is beneficial to provide potential strategies for improving antrodin C and antroquinonol production by genetic means. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry