Integrative Analysis\nof Metabolome and Transcriptome\nReveals Molecular Mechanisms Regulating Oil and Protein Content in\nPeanut (Arachis hypogaea L)

Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is\nan important source of edible vegetable oils and plant proteins globally.\nHowever, the complex mechanisms regulating the oil and protein contents\nof peanut seeds remain unclear. Here, comparative broad-target metabolomics\nand quantitative lipidomics, together with transcriptome analysis,\nof peanut seeds at four developmental stages from the high-oil content\nvariety “YH15” and high-protein content variety “KB008”\nwere performed to search for oil and protein content control genes.\nA total of 984 differential metabolites, including 128 amino acids\nand derivatives and 310 differentially accumulated lipids, were identified\nbetween “YH15” and “KB008” in four seed\ndevelopmental stages. The weighted gene coexpression network analysis\nand module–trait relationship analysis revealed that MEbrown,\nMEyellow, and MEturquoise modules were key contributors to the quality\ndiscrepancies observed between “YH15” and “KB008.”\nCrucial genes potentially regulating the differences in oil and protein\ncontents between “YH15” and “KB008” were\nidentified within the aforementioned three modules, including genes\ninvolved in amino acid synthesis and degradation, nitrogen allocation,\ntriglyceride synthesis and degradation, and fatty acid synthesis and\ndegradation, as well as transcription factors. Overall, this study\nprovides valuable insights into the molecular regulation of oil and\nprotein contents in peanut seeds and may help cultivate specialized\npeanut varieties with enhanced nutritional and economic values.