Metabolic profiling, in vitro propagation, and genetic assessment of the endangered rare plant Anarrhinum pubescens

A comprehensive metabolic profiling of the endangered plant Anarrhinum pubescens, endemic to South Sinai's Saint Catherine Area, has identified 27 distinct metabolites, including alkaloids, amino acids, carbohydrates, organic acids, vitamins, and a phenol. This study also successfully established efficient in vitro propagation protocols for mass regeneration of A. pubescens, achieving a shoot formation capacity of up to 100% with an average of 27.67 shoots per explant using nodal cutting-micropropagation on a specific medium. Genetic fidelity assessment confirmed high similarity (98% and 95%) among micropropagated clones using RAPD and ISSR molecular markers, respectively. These findings provide valuable insights for the ex situ conservation of this rare plant and highlight its potential bioactive compounds.

Abdelsalam, A., Mahran, E., Chowdhury, K., & Boroujerdi, A. (2021). Metabolic profiling, in vitro propagation, and genetic assessment of the endangered rare plant Anarrhinum pubescens. Journal of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, 19(1), 108. https://doi.org/10.1186/s43141-021-00210-6