Abstract: Macleaya cordata is a traditional Chinese medicinal plant species from the Papaveraceae family and is considered a safe resource of antimicrobial feed additive for livestock for its production of antimicrobial-active constituents such as sanguinarine (SAN) and chelerythrine (CHE). Chinese scientists reported the de novo whole-genome sequencing of M. cordata, the first to be sequenced from the Papaveraceae family. They then used the tissue-specific transcriptome and metabolic profiling data to identify 16 candidate genes involved in the biosynthesis of SAN and CHE. Homologous cloning and substrate-feeding experiments were then applied to verify the biochemical functions of the 14 candidates. This research set up the foundation for further improvement of the biosynthesis, regulation and biosynthetic chemistry of benzylisoquinoline alkaloids and also provides a powerful tool for the dissection of metabolic pathway(s) in other species from the Papaveraceae family.

Key words: Macleaya cordata, sanguinarine, chelerythrine, de novo sequencing