Transcriptome profiling of PeCRY1 transgenic Populus tomentosa.

Area of Science:

• Plant molecular biology
• Photoreceptor research
• Forest tree genetics

Background:

• Cryptochromes are crucial blue light photoreceptors regulating plant growth and development.
• Research on cryptochromes in forest trees remains limited, despite their importance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To isolate and express the Euphrates poplar cryptochrome 1 gene (PeCRY1) in transgenic Populus tomentosa.
• To analyze the transcriptomic changes induced by PeCRY1 expression in poplar.

Main Methods:

• Isolation and heterologous expression of the PeCRY1 gene.
• Transcriptome profiling of transgenic and wild-type Populus tomentosa using RNA sequencing (RNA-seq).
• Differential gene expression analysis using DESeq, followed by Gene Ontology (GO) and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis.
• Validation of RNA-seq results using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR).

Main Results:

• 357 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, with 132 upregulated and 225 downregulated.
• Enrichment analysis revealed significant impacts on starch and sucrose metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, organic cyclic compound biosynthesis, pentose phosphate pathway, photosynthesis, and circadian rhythm.
• RNA-seq findings were validated by qRT-PCR.

Conclusions:

• PeCRY1 influences a wide range of biological processes in poplar, including metabolism, photosynthesis, and circadian regulation.
• This study provides valuable insights into the function of cryptochromes in forest trees, particularly Populus species.
• The findings contribute to understanding light-mediated growth and development regulation in trees.