Science & Tech · Science & Environment · 8 hrs ago
Researchers identify a flavonoid-related gene in a native Korean plant
Researchers in South Korea identified a gene involved in making flavonoids in sangdongnamu, a plant native to the country's southern regions.
The work was done by the Honam National Institute of Biological Resources and a team from Chonnam National University.
Flavonoids are natural substances found widely in plants and are associated with antioxidant activity.
The researchers examined the plant's genetic information, found three candidate genes and confirmed that St4CL1 contributes to flavonoid production.
Getting useful substances from plants can require a steady supply of plant material, which may be affected by seasons and growing conditions.
The finding could help researchers develop more stable production with less reliance on plant material by using synthetic biology.
The institute plans to gather more genetic information on island and coastal organisms and expand research using artificial intelligence and synthetic biology.
Researchers identified a gene involved in flavonoid production in the native Korean plant sangdongnamu.
The National Honam권 Biodiversity Institute and a research team led by Professor Kim Su-jeong of Chonnam National University conducted the study.
The team found three candidate genes in the plant’s genetic information and confirmed the function of one, St4CL1.
The finding could support future production methods that rely less on plant materials and are less affected by seasons or growing conditions.
- Who
- The National Honam권 Biodiversity Institute and a research team led by Professor Kim Su-jeong of Chonnam National University.
- What
- They identified three candidate genes linked to flavonoid production in sangdongnamu and confirmed the function of St4CL1.
- When
- The institute announced the findings on November 10, 2026.
- Where
- The research concerned sangdongnamu, a plant native to southern Korea.
- Why
- The work aims to support use of genetic information to produce useful substances, potentially reducing reliance on plant materials.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The team analyzed the plant’s genetic information and identified three candidate genes linked to flavonoid production.
The team selected St4CL1 for analysis and confirmed its role in the plant’s flavonoid production process.
- Plant
- Sangdongnamu, native to southern Korea
- Candidate genes
- 3 linked to flavonoid production
- Gene with confirmed function
- St4CL1
- Study partners
- National Honam권 Biodiversity Institute and Chonnam National University research team
- Announcement date
- November 10, 2026