The effects of grafting on the stems of Eleutherococcus sessiliflorus were jointly analyzed by transcriptomics and metabolomics.

BACKGROUND: This study investigates the core molecular mechanisms by which the rootstock of Eleutherococcus sessiliflorus (E.sessiliflorus) regulates the stem growth of Eleutherococcus senticosus (E.senticosus), using E.senticosus as the scion. METHODS: Grafted plants with E.sessiliflorus as the rootstock served as the primary research subjects, while self-rooted E.senticosus plants were utilized as controls. An integrated approach, combining physiological and biochemical assays, transcriptomics, and metabolomics, was employed to analyze the mechanisms, with verification by qRT-PCR. RESULTS: Physiological and biochemical analyses showed that self-grafting had no significant effect on E. senticosus stems. By contrast, cross-root grafting did not significantly alter moisture content, total ash, or extractive content. However, it significantly enhanced nutrient accumulation and antioxidant defense capacity in the stems, thereby promoting secondary metabolite accumulation. Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses further revealed that grafting significantly regulates the biosynthesis pathways of unsaturated fatty acids and amino acids. Differential expression of key enzymes, such as SCD, FAD2, icd, and PK, facilitates metabolic specialization and collaborative adaptation between rootstock and scion. CONCLUSIONS: This study elucidates potential core targets and molecular mechanisms underlying the influence of grafting on E.senticosus, providing valuable theoretical references and research directions for variety improvement, high-quality cultivation, and the sustainable utilization of rare medicinal plant resources of E.senticosus.