Comparative Metabolomic and Proteomic Analyses Reveal the Regulation Mechanism Underlying MeJA-Induced Bioactive Compound Accumulation in Cutleaf Groundcherry (<i>Physalis angulata</i> L.) Hairy Roots

Cutleaf groundcherry (<i>Physalis angulata</i> L.) is an annual plant with a number of medicinal ingredients. However, studies about the secondary metabolism of <i>P. angulata</i> are very limited. An integrated metabolome and proteome approach was used to reveal the variations in the metabolism associated with bioactive compounds under methyl-jasmonate (MeJA) treatment. Application of MeJA to the hairy roots could significantly increase the accumulation of most active ingredients. A targeted approach confirmed the variations in physalins D and H between MeJA treatment and the controls. Increases in the levels of a number of terpenoid backbone biosynthesis and steroid biosynthesis related enzymes, cytochrome P450 monooxygenases and 3β-hydroxysterioid dehydrogenase might provide a potential explanation for the MeJA-induced active ingredient synthesis. Our results may contribute to a deeper understanding of the regulation mechanism underlying the MeJA-induced active compound accumulation in <i>P. angulata