The evolutionary advantage of artemisinin production by Artemisia annua.

Ruiqing Lyu, Shilin Chen, Ling Yuan, Li Xiang, Xiaoyan Han, Yujun Zhang, Qinggang Yin

Journal: Trends in plant science 2025;30(2):213-226

PMID: 39362811

Full Text on Elsevier Science View on PubMed

Abstract

Artemisinin, a potent antimalarial compound, is predominantly derived from Artemisia annua. The uniqueness of artemisinin production in A. annua lies in its complex biochemical pathways and genetic composition, distinguishing it from other plant species, even within the Asteraceae family. In this review, we investigate the potential of A. annua for artemisinin production, drawing evidence from natural populations and mutants. Leveraging high-quality whole-genome sequence analyses, we offer insights into the evolution of artemisinin biosynthesis. We also highlight current understanding of the protective functions of artemisinin in A. annua in response to both biotic and abiotic stresses. In addition, we explore the mechanisms used by A. annua to mitigate the phytotoxicity generated by artemisinin catabolism.

Address: Artemisinin Research Center, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China; Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546, USA; The Kentucky Tobacco Research and Development Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546, USA.; Artemisinin Research Center, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China.; China National Botanical Garden, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100093, China.; Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546, USA; The Kentucky Tobacco Research and Development Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546, USA.; Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546, USA; The Kentucky Tobacco Research and Development Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546, USA. Electronic address: [email protected].; Institute of Herbgenomics, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China. Electronic address: [email protected].

DOI: 10.1016/j.tplants.2024.09.006

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MeSH Terms: Artemisia annua, Artemisinins, Antimalarials, Biological Evolution