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Wang Y, Zhang H, Zhang Z, Hua B, Liu J, Miao M. Source leaves are regulated by sink strengths through non-coding RNAs and alternative polyadenylation in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.). BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2024; 24:812. [PMID: 39198785 PMCID: PMC11360537 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-024-05416-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The yield of major crops is generally limited by sink capacity and source strength. Cucumber is a typical raffinose family oligosaccharides (RFOs)-transporting crop. Non-coding RNAs and alternative polyadenylation (APA) play important roles in the regulation of growth process in plants. However, their roles on the sink‒source regulation have not been demonstrated in RFOs-translocating species. RESULTS Here, whole-transcriptome sequencing was applied to compare the leaves of cucumber under different sink strength, that is, no fruit-carrying leaves (NFNLs) and fruit-carrying leaves (FNLs) at 12th node from the bottom. The results show that 1101 differentially expressed (DE) mRNAs, 79 DE long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and 23 DE miRNAs were identified, which were enriched in photosynthesis, energy production and conversion, plant hormone signal transduction, starch and carbohydrate metabolism and protein synthesis pathways. Potential co-expression networks like, DE lncRNAs-DE mRNAs/ DE miRNAs-DE mRNAs, and competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulation models (DE lncRNAs-DE miRNAs-DE mRNAs) associated with sink‒source allocation, were constructed. Furthermore, 37 and 48 DE genes, which enriched in MAPK signaling and plant hormone signal transduction pathway, exist differentially APA, and SPS (CsaV3_2G033300), GBSS1 (CsaV3_5G001560), ERS1 (CsaV3_7G029600), PNO1 (CsaV3_3G003950) and Myb (CsaV3_3G022290) may be regulated by both ncRNAs and APA between FNLs and NFNLs, speculating that ncRNAs and APA are involved in the regulation of gene expression of cucumber sink‒source carbon partitioning. CONCLUSIONS These results reveal a comprehensive network among mRNAs, ncRNAs, and APA in cucumber sink-source relationships. Our findings also provide valuable information for further research on the molecular mechanism of ncRNA and APA to enhance cucumber yield.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yudan Wang
- College of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - Huimin Zhang
- Jiangsu Yanjiang Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Nantong, 226541, China
| | - Zhiping Zhang
- College of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - Bing Hua
- College of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - Jiexia Liu
- College of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - Minmin Miao
- College of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China.
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China.
- Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics of the Ministry of Education/Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Crop Genomics and Molecular Breeding, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China.
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Zhang L, Ge X, Du J, Cheng X, Peng X, Hu J. Genome-Wide Identification of Long Non-Coding RNAs and Their Potential Functions in Poplar Growth and Phenylalanine Biosynthesis. Front Genet 2021; 12:762678. [PMID: 34868243 PMCID: PMC8634849 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.762678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Poplar is an important bioenergy tree species. lncRNAs play important roles in various biological regulatory processes, and their expression pattern is more tissue-specific than mRNAs. In this study, P. deltoides “Danhong” (Pd) and P. simonii “Tongliao1” (Ps) with different growth rates and wood quality were used as experimental materials, and the transcriptomes of their shoot apical meristem, xylem, and phloem were sequenced. Furthermore, high-throughput RNA sequencing analysis revealed that the expression patterns of genes and lncRNAs are different between the two genotypes. 6,355 lncRNAs were identified. Based on target prediction, lncRNAs and target genes were involved in ADP binding, oxidoreductase activity, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, and cyanoamino acid metabolism. The DElncRNAs in two poplars were co-expressed with transcription factors and structural genes of lignin and flavonoid pathways. In addition, we found the potential target lncRNAs of miRNA. This result provides basic evidence for a better understanding of the regulatory role of lncRNAs in regulating phenylalanine molecular pathways and wood formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Key Laboratory of Tree Breeding and Cultivation of National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Research Institute of Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaolan Ge
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Key Laboratory of Tree Breeding and Cultivation of National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Research Institute of Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing, China
| | - Jiujun Du
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Key Laboratory of Tree Breeding and Cultivation of National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Research Institute of Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing, China
| | - Xingqi Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Key Laboratory of Tree Breeding and Cultivation of National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Research Institute of Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaopeng Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Key Laboratory of Tree Breeding and Cultivation of National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Research Institute of Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing, China
| | - Jianjun Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Key Laboratory of Tree Breeding and Cultivation of National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Research Institute of Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, China
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Patturaj M, Munusamy A, Kannan N, Ramasamy Y. Biologia Futura: progress and future perspectives of long non-coding RNAs in forest trees. Biol Futur 2021; 73:43-53. [PMID: 34843103 DOI: 10.1007/s42977-021-00108-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Forest trees are affected by climate change, anthropogenic pressure, as well as abiotic and biotic stresses. Conventional tree breeding has so far been limited to enhance overall productivity, and our understanding of the genetic basis of quantitative traits is still inadequate. Quantum leaps in next-generation sequencing technologies and bioinformatics have permitted the exploration and identification of various non-coding regions of the genome other than protein coding genes. These genomic regions produce various types of non-coding RNAs and regulate myriads of biological functions at epigenetic, transcriptional and translational levels. Recently, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) which act as molecular switch have been identified to be pivotal molecules in forest trees. This review focuses on progress made in regulatory mechanisms in various developmental phases like wood formation, adventitious rooting and flowering and stress responses. It was predicted that complex regulatory interactions among lncRNA, miRNA and gene exist. LncRNAs can function as a sponge for miRNAs, reducing the suppressive effect of miRNAs on target mRNAs and perhaps adding a new layer of regulatory interactions among non-coding RNA classes in trees. Furthermore, network analysis revealed the interactions of lncRNA and genes during the expression of several important genes. The insights generated about lncRNAs in forest trees would enable improvement of economically important traits including the devastating abiotic and biotic stresses. In addition, solid understanding on the wide range of regulatory functions of lncRNAs on traits influencing biomass productivity and adaptation would aid the applications of biotechnology in genetic improvement of forest trees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maheswari Patturaj
- Division of Plant Biotechnology and Cytogenetics, Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding, R.S. Puram, Coimbatore, 641002, India
| | - Aiswarya Munusamy
- Division of Plant Biotechnology and Cytogenetics, Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding, R.S. Puram, Coimbatore, 641002, India
| | - Nithishkumar Kannan
- Division of Plant Biotechnology and Cytogenetics, Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding, R.S. Puram, Coimbatore, 641002, India
| | - Yasodha Ramasamy
- Division of Plant Biotechnology and Cytogenetics, Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding, R.S. Puram, Coimbatore, 641002, India.
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Pang LJ, Adeel M, Shakoor N, Guo KR, Ma DF, Ahmad MA, Lu GQ, Zhao MH, Li SE, Rui YK. Engineered Nanomaterials Suppress the Soft Rot Disease ( Rhizopus stolonifer) and Slow Down the Loss of Nutrient in Sweet Potato. NANOMATERIALS 2021; 11:nano11102572. [PMID: 34685013 PMCID: PMC8537040 DOI: 10.3390/nano11102572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 09/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
About 45% of the world’s fruit and vegetables are wasted, resulting in postharvest losses and contributing to economic losses ranging from $10 billion to $100 billion worldwide. Soft rot disease caused by Rhizopus stolonifer leads to postharvest storage losses of sweet potatoes. Nanoscience stands as a new tool in our arsenal against these mounting challenges that will restrict efforts to achieve and maintain global food security. In this study, three nanomaterials (NMs) namely C60, CuO, and TiO2 were evaluated for their potential application in the restriction of Rhizopus soft rot disease in two cultivars of sweet potato (Y25, J26). CuO NM exhibited a better antifungal effect than C60 and TiO2 NMs. The contents of three important hormones, indolepropionic acid (IPA), gibberellic acid 3 (GA-3), and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) in the infected J26 sweet potato treated with 50 mg/L CuO NM were significantly higher than those of the control by 14.5%, 10.8%, and 24.1%. CuO and C60 NMs promoted antioxidants in both cultivars of sweet potato. Overall, CuO NM at 50 mg/L exhibited the best antifungal properties, followed by TiO2 NM and C60 NM, and these results were further confirmed through scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis. The use of CuO NMs as an antifungal agent in the prevention of Rhizopus stolonifer infections in sweet potatoes could greatly reduce postharvest storage and delivery losses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin-Jiang Pang
- College of Food and Health, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China; (L.-J.P.); (M.-H.Z.); (S.-E.L.)
- School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou 221116, China
| | - Muhammed Adeel
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Farmland Soil Pollution Prevention and Remediation, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (M.A.); (N.S.); (K.-R.G.); (Y.-K.R.)
- BNU-HKUST Laboratory of Green Innovation, Advanced Institute of Natural Sciences, Beijing Normal University Zhuhai Subcampus, 18 Jinfeng Road, Tangjiawan, Zhuhai 519085, China
| | - Noman Shakoor
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Farmland Soil Pollution Prevention and Remediation, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (M.A.); (N.S.); (K.-R.G.); (Y.-K.R.)
| | - Ke-Rui Guo
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Farmland Soil Pollution Prevention and Remediation, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (M.A.); (N.S.); (K.-R.G.); (Y.-K.R.)
- Laboratory of Soil Science, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Dai-Fu Ma
- School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou 221116, China
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Sweet Potato, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Xuzhou Institute of Agricultural Sciences of the Xuhuai District of Jiangsu Province, Xuzhou 221121, China
- Correspondence: or (D.-F.M.); (G.-Q.L.)
| | - Muhammad Arslan Ahmad
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresource and Eco-Environmental Science, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China;
| | - Guo-Quan Lu
- College of Food and Health, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China; (L.-J.P.); (M.-H.Z.); (S.-E.L.)
- Correspondence: or (D.-F.M.); (G.-Q.L.)
| | - Mei-Hui Zhao
- College of Food and Health, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China; (L.-J.P.); (M.-H.Z.); (S.-E.L.)
| | - Sheng-E Li
- College of Food and Health, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China; (L.-J.P.); (M.-H.Z.); (S.-E.L.)
| | - Yu-Kui Rui
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Farmland Soil Pollution Prevention and Remediation, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (M.A.); (N.S.); (K.-R.G.); (Y.-K.R.)
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Song Y, Bu C, Chen P, Liu P, Zhang D. Miniature inverted repeat transposable elements cis-regulate circular RNA expression and promote ethylene biosynthesis, reducing heat tolerance in Populus tomentosa. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2021; 72:1978-1994. [PMID: 33258949 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/eraa570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Transposable elements (TEs) and their reverse complementary sequence pairs (RCPs) are enriched around loci that produce circular RNAs (circRNAs) in plants. However, the function of these TE-RCP pairs in modulating circRNA expression remains elusive. Here, we identified 4609 circRNAs in poplar (Populus tomentosa) and showed that miniature inverted repeat transposable elements (MITEs)-RCPs were enriched in circRNA flanking regions. Moreover, we used expression quantitative trait nucleotide (eQTN) mapping to decipher the cis-regulatory role of MITEs. eQTN results showed that 14 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were significantly associated with Circ_0000408 and Circ_0003418 levels and the lead associated SNPs were located in MITE-RCP regions, indicating that MITE-RCP sequence variations affect exon circularization. Overexpression and knockdown analysis showed that Circ_0003418 positively modulated its parental gene, which encodes the RING-type E3 ligase XBAT32, and specifically increased the expression of the PtoXBAT32.5 transcript variant, which lacks the E3 ubiquitin ligase domain. Under heat stress, PtoXBAT32.5 expression was induced with up-regulation of Circ_0003418, resulting in increased production of ethylene and peroxidation of membrane lipids. Our findings thus reveal the cis-regulatory mechanism by which a MITE-RCP pair affects circRNA abundance in poplar and indicate that Circ_0003418 is a negative regulator of poplar heat tolerance via the ubiquitin-mediated protein modification pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuepeng Song
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Tree Breeding by Molecular Design, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, P. R. China
- National Engineering Laboratory for Tree Breeding, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding in Forest Trees and Ornamental Plants, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Chenhao Bu
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Tree Breeding by Molecular Design, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, P. R. China
- National Engineering Laboratory for Tree Breeding, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding in Forest Trees and Ornamental Plants, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Panfei Chen
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Tree Breeding by Molecular Design, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, P. R. China
- National Engineering Laboratory for Tree Breeding, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding in Forest Trees and Ornamental Plants, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Peng Liu
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Tree Breeding by Molecular Design, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, P. R. China
- National Engineering Laboratory for Tree Breeding, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding in Forest Trees and Ornamental Plants, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Deqiang Zhang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Tree Breeding by Molecular Design, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, P. R. China
- National Engineering Laboratory for Tree Breeding, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding in Forest Trees and Ornamental Plants, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, P. R. China
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Bian W, Liu X, Zhang Z, Zhang H. Transcriptome analysis of diploid and triploid Populus tomentosa. PeerJ 2020; 8:e10204. [PMID: 33194408 PMCID: PMC7602689 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.10204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Triploid Chinese white poplar (Populus tomentosa Carr., Salicaceae) has stronger advantages in growth and better stress resistance and wood quality than diploid P. tomentosa. Using transcriptome sequencing technology to identify candidate transcriptome-based markers for growth vigor in young tree tissue is of great significance for the breeding of P. tomentosa varieties in the future. In this study, the cuttings of diploid and triploid P. tomentosa were used as plant materials, transcriptome sequencing was carried out, and their tissue culture materials were used for RT-qPCR verification of the expression of genes. The results showed that 12,240 differentially expressed genes in diploid and triploid P. tomentosa transcripts were annotated and enriched into 135 metabolic pathways. The top six pathways that enriched the most significantly different genes were plant-pathogen interaction, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, MAPK signalling pathway-plant, ascorbate and aldarate metabolism, diterpenoid biosynthesis, and the betalain biosynthesis pathway. Ten growth-related genes were selected from pathways of plant hormone signal transduction and carbon fixation in photosynthetic organisms for RT-qPCR verification. The expression levels of MDH and CYCD3 in tissue-cultured and greenhouse planted triploid P. tomentosa were higher than those in tissue-cultured diploid P. tomentosa, which was consist ent with the TMM values calculated by transcriptome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Bian
- Key Laboratory for Forest Resources Conservation and Utilization in the Southwest Mountains of China, Ministry of Education, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Xiaozhen Liu
- Key Laboratory of Biodiversity Conservation in Southwest China, State Forest Administration, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Zhiming Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Biodiversity Conservation in Southwest China, State Forest Administration, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Hanyao Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Forest Resources Conservation and Utilization in the Southwest Mountains of China, Ministry of Education, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
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Yu J, Xu F, Wei Z, Zhang X, Chen T, Pu L. Epigenomic landscape and epigenetic regulation in maize. TAG. THEORETICAL AND APPLIED GENETICS. THEORETISCHE UND ANGEWANDTE GENETIK 2020; 133:1467-1489. [PMID: 31965233 DOI: 10.1007/s00122-020-03549-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetic regulation has been implicated in the control of multiple agronomic traits in maize. Here, we review current advances in our understanding of epigenetic regulation, which has great potential for improving agronomic traits and the environmental adaptability of crops. Epigenetic regulation plays vital role in the control of complex agronomic traits. Epigenetic variation could contribute to phenotypic diversity and can be used to improve the quality and productivity of crops. Maize (Zea mays L.), one of the most widely cultivated crops for human food, animal feed, and ethanol biofuel, is a model plant for genetic studies. Recent advances in high-throughput sequencing technology have made possible the study of epigenetic regulation in maize on a genome-wide scale. In this review, we discuss recent epigenetic studies in maize many achieved by Chinese research groups. These studies have explored the roles of DNA methylation, posttranslational modifications of histones, chromatin remodeling, and noncoding RNAs in the regulation of gene expression in plant development and environment response. We also provide our future prospects for manipulating epigenetic regulation to improve crops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Yu
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Fan Xu
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ziwei Wei
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Xiangxiang Zhang
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Tao Chen
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Li Pu
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China.
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Xuan A, Song Y, Bu C, Chen P, El-Kassaby YA, Zhang D. Changes in DNA Methylation in Response to 6-Benzylaminopurine Affect Allele-Specific Gene Expression in Populus Tomentosa. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E2117. [PMID: 32204454 PMCID: PMC7139286 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21062117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2020] [Revised: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytokinins play important roles in the growth and development of plants. Physiological and photosynthetic characteristics are common indicators to measure the growth and development in plants. However, few reports have described the molecular mechanisms of physiological and photosynthetic changes in response to cytokinin, particularly in woody plants. DNA methylation is an essential epigenetic modification that dynamically regulates gene expression in response to the external environment. In this study, we examined genome-wide DNA methylation variation and transcriptional variation in poplar (Populus tomentosa) after short-term treatment with the synthetic cytokinin 6-benzylaminopurine (6-BA). We identified 460 significantly differentially methylated regions (DMRs) in response to 6-BA treatment. Transcriptome analysis showed that 339 protein-coding genes, 262 long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and 15,793 24-nt small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) were differentially expressed under 6-BA treatment. Among these, 79% were differentially expressed between alleles in P. tomentosa, and 102,819 allele-specific expression (ASE) loci in 19,200 genes were detected showing differences in ASE levels after 6-BA treatment. Combined DNA methylation and gene expression analysis demonstrated that DNA methylation plays an important role in regulating allele-specific gene expression. To further investigate the relationship between these 6-BA-responsive genes and phenotypic variation, we performed SNP analysis of 460 6-BA-responsive DMRs via re-sequencing using a natural population of P. tomentosa, and we identified 206 SNPs that were significantly associated with growth and wood properties. Association analysis indicated that 53% of loci with allele-specific expression had primarily dominant effects on poplar traits. Our comprehensive analyses of P. tomentosa DNA methylation and the regulation of allele-specific gene expression suggest that DNA methylation is an important regulator of imbalanced expression between allelic loci.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anran Xuan
- National Engineering Laboratory for Tree Breeding, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, No. 35, Qinghua East Road, Beijing 100083, China; (A.X.); (Y.S.); (C.B.); (P.C.)
- Key Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding in Forest Trees and Ornamental Plants, Ministry of Education, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, No. 35, Qinghua East Road, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Yuepeng Song
- National Engineering Laboratory for Tree Breeding, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, No. 35, Qinghua East Road, Beijing 100083, China; (A.X.); (Y.S.); (C.B.); (P.C.)
- Key Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding in Forest Trees and Ornamental Plants, Ministry of Education, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, No. 35, Qinghua East Road, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Chenhao Bu
- National Engineering Laboratory for Tree Breeding, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, No. 35, Qinghua East Road, Beijing 100083, China; (A.X.); (Y.S.); (C.B.); (P.C.)
- Key Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding in Forest Trees and Ornamental Plants, Ministry of Education, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, No. 35, Qinghua East Road, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Panfei Chen
- National Engineering Laboratory for Tree Breeding, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, No. 35, Qinghua East Road, Beijing 100083, China; (A.X.); (Y.S.); (C.B.); (P.C.)
- Key Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding in Forest Trees and Ornamental Plants, Ministry of Education, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, No. 35, Qinghua East Road, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Yousry A. El-Kassaby
- Department of Forest and Conservation Sciences, Faculty of Forestry, Forest Sciences Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada;
| | - Deqiang Zhang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Tree Breeding, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, No. 35, Qinghua East Road, Beijing 100083, China; (A.X.); (Y.S.); (C.B.); (P.C.)
- Key Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding in Forest Trees and Ornamental Plants, Ministry of Education, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, No. 35, Qinghua East Road, Beijing 100083, China
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