Multi-omics insights into metabolic regulation, gene function, and quality evaluation in medicinal plants

The study of medicinal plants represents a vital interdisciplinary field at the intersection of traditional botanical knowledge and modern life sciences. In recent years, rapid advances in omics technologies—including genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and microbiomics—have provided unprecedented insights into the complex biosynthetic pathways, regulatory mechanisms, and genetic functions underlying the therapeutic efficacy of medicinal plants. These technologies have enabled systematic profiling of plant constituents, mapping of gene-to-metabolite relationships, and elucidation of biochemical networks. However, challenges persist in fully deciphering the multifaceted interactions among genes, proteins, metabolites, and associated microbiomes, as well as understanding how these elements collectively influence plant adaptability, and pharmacological potential. Notably, controversies continue around defining robust quality markers, the integrative mapping of synthetic pathways, and the interplay between phenotype and epigenetic regulation. Recent studies have underscored the promise of multi-omics approaches in addressing these gaps, yet comprehensive characterization across diverse species and standardization of omics-driven quality assessment remain areas in need of further exploration.This Research Topic aims to advance knowledge on the application of omics technologies to unravel the molecular basis of bioactive compound biosynthesis, metabolite regulation, and genetic function in medicinal plants. By fostering a platform for experimental and integrative research, the main objective is to reveal regulatory gene networks, key protein functions, and metabolic mechanisms underpinning the therapeutic qualities of medicinal plants. Particular emphasis will be placed on understanding the interconnections between genetic architecture, metabolic profiles, and phenotypic traits, as well as on validating new quality markers and control systems. The Research Topic also seeks to catalyze interdisciplinary collaborations that leverage multi-omics, molecular biology, and bioinformatics to provide holistic insights into plant biology and pharmacognosy.To gather further insights into omics-driven mechanisms and quality assessment in medicinal plants, this Research Topic will focus on investigations that apply or integrate omics approaches to the study of plant biosynthesis, metabolic regulation, and genetic function. Submissions may encompass both experimental research and technological innovation, provided they contribute to understanding active component identification, quality control, and molecular mechanisms. We welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:1. Omics technologies for deciphering chemical component diversity in medicinal plants2. Identification and establishment of quality markers (Q-Markers) and systems via omics analyses3. Omics-based dissection of biosynthetic and metabolic pathways of active constituents4. Regulatory networks underlying metabolic processes in medicinal plants from an omics perspective5. Integration of phenotype and epigenetic studies to unravel functional links in medicinal plants6. Comparative evolutionary analysis of biosynthetic genes integrated with multi-omics and functional validation in medicinal plants Topic editors: Qing Du, Ranjit Singh Gujjar, Xiaoming Song Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/80460/multi-omics-insights-into-metabolic-regulation-gene-function-and-quality-evaluation-in-medicinal-plants