Changes in Lolium perenne transcriptome during cold acclimation in two genotypes adapted to different climatic...

Area of Science:

• Plant Science
• Molecular Biology
• Genomics

Background:

• Cold acclimation is crucial for freezing tolerance in perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.).
• Understanding molecular mechanisms of cold acclimation is vital for crop improvement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate molecular mechanisms of cold acclimation in two perennial ryegrass genotypes ('Veyo' and 'Falster') with distinct geographical origins.
• To compare transcriptional responses to cold stress between a cold-adapted and a warm-adapted genotype.

Main Methods:

• Transcriptome profiling using RNA-Seq on perennial ryegrass genotypes under controlled cold acclimation for 17 days.
• Identification of differentially expressed transcripts using genotype-specific reference alignments.

Main Results:

• Genes involved in protective mechanisms (stress response, signal transduction, metabolism) were induced in both genotypes.
• 'Falster' (cold-adapted) showed stronger transcriptional changes and higher induction of fructosyltransferase genes and fructan biosynthesis compared to 'Veyo' (warm-adapted).
• Circadian rhythm network was perturbed in 'Veyo', suggesting lower adaptability to cold stress.

Conclusions:

• Identified differentially expressed genes involved in cold acclimation and protective mechanisms in perennial ryegrass.
• Highlighted distinct transcriptional responses between genotypes, with 'Falster' exhibiting superior cold adaptation mechanisms.
• Revealed transcriptional regulation of carbon allocation towards fructan biosynthesis during cold stress.