Biosynthesis and Regulation of Bioactive Components in Garden Plants

Dear Colleagues,

Garden plants are not only valued for their aesthetic appeal but also serve as rich sources of diverse bioactive components, including volatile terpenoids, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, alkaloids, and other specialized metabolites. These natural products contribute to fragrance, flower color, disease resistance, and stress tolerance, and many possess antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, or neuroprotective properties with potential applications in cosmetics, nutraceuticals, and pharmaceuticals. Despite their importance, the biosynthetic pathways and regulatory mechanisms governing the production of these bioactive components in garden plants remain largely unexplored. Recent advances in genomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics, and synthetic biology have opened new avenues to identify key biosynthetic genes and enzymes, and to understand how their expression is controlled at the transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and metabolic levels.

The goal of this Research Topic is to address current challenges in deciphering and manipulating the biosynthetic pathways of bioactive components in garden plants. While significant progress has been made in model plants and medicinal species, much less is known about the genetic and molecular basis of secondary metabolism in ornamental and landscape plants. Key questions remain: Which genes and enzymes are responsible for the synthesis of signature volatiles, pigments, and defense compounds? How are these pathways regulated by developmental cues, environmental factors, and phytohormones? Can metabolic engineering or synthetic biology strategies be applied to enhance the production of desirable bioactive components without compromising plant growth or ornamental traits? This Research Topic aims to bring together cutting-edge studies that elucidate biosynthetic routes, characterize enzyme functions, dissect regulatory networks, and develop biotechnological tools to harness garden plants as sustainable green factories for high-value natural products.

This Research Topic focuses on recent advances in understanding and engineering the biosynthesis and regulation of bioactive components in garden plants. It welcomes studies on the identification of biosynthetic genes and enzymes, elucidation of catalytic mechanisms, metabolic flux analysis, and regulatory mechanisms including transcription factors, epigenetic control, and signaling pathways. Research integrating multi-omics (genomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics, proteomics), gene editing (CRISPR/Cas), heterologous expression, metabolic engineering, or synthetic biology approaches are particularly encouraged. Studies on the evolution of biosynthetic pathways, glandular trichomes, or specialized structures involved in metabolite storage are also of interest. By promoting interdisciplinary collaboration, this Research Topic aims to provide new insights into the molecular basis and biotechnological potential of garden plant secondary metabolism, bridging the gap between ornamental horticulture and natural product biotechnology.

Dr. Xiaoxiao Zhang
Dr. Tengxun Zhang
Guest Editors

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• biosynthesis
• metabolic regulation
• bioactive components
• garden plants
• secondary metabolism