Mapping Natural Product Biosynthetic Hotspots: Prioritizing Conservation for Medicinal Resources

Abstract

BackgroundNatural products (NPs) are vital for promoting human health. Given the increasing threats of biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation, understanding the geographical hotspots of NPs is essential to strategically prioritize areas for conservation, ensuring the sustained availability of these invaluable medicinal resources. MethodsWe constructed a global diversity map for 1,434 woody angiosperm species, each represented by existing genomic or transcriptomic data. We curated a list of 166 enzymes essential for the biosynthesis and structural diversity of NPs, and identified geographical hotspots of NPs by averaging enzyme presence across the grids. We also examined the distribution pattern of each enzyme. To gain deeper insights into NP distribution patterns, we performed a comparative analysis of enzyme groups responsible for the biosynthesis of two pharmacologically significant compounds with distinct biosynthetic pathways, shikonin derivatives and benzylisoquinoline alkaloids. FindingsOur study reveals a correlation between NP hotspots and biodiversity hotspots, with a subset of markers displaying unique, region-specific patterns. Comparative analysis of enzymes for shikonin derivatives and benzylisoquinoline alkaloids biosynthetic pathways shows similar pattern, with the former demonstrating a unique and region-specific distribution. InterpretationOur findings emphasize the importance of preserving biodiversity hotspots for sustaining NP-based medicinal resources. Additionally, the specific distribution of certain enzyme markers, such as those related to shikonin derivatives, suggests that some NPs may necessitate targeted conservation strategies. This study provides a foundational roadmap for identifying the geographical hotspots of NPs and developing targeted conservation strategies. FundingJapan Society for the Promotion of Science through the Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (A) 20H00651.