RNA-seq of buds and leaves from Asclepias incarnata and Asclepias tuberosa
Samples of Asclepias incarnata (swamp milkweed) and Asclepias tuberosa (butterfly weed) were collected from plants grown under control conditions and following treatment with a 0.01% methyl jasmonate spray to induce defense responses. RNA-seq data were generated in order to perform comparisons of defense induction in different milkweed species, which vary widely in the concentration and variety of cardiac glycosides that they produce. Exceptionally low levels of cardiac glycosides are present in A. incarnata and A. tuberosa. Therefore, to identify candidate biosynthetic genes, A. incarnata and A. tuberosa gene expression levels can be compared to those of milkweed species with high cardiac glycoside concentrations. Cardiac glycosides are important chemical defense in several plant families and are used medicinally as a treatment for heart disorders. Thus, a better understanding their biosynthesis has both ecological and medical relevance.