Comparative transcriptomics between high and low rubber producing Taraxacum kok-saghyz R. plants

Area of Science:

• Plant Science
• Biochemistry
• Genomics

Background:

• Taraxacum kok-saghyz (Tks) is a potential alternative to Hevea brasiliensis for natural rubber (NR) production.
• Understanding the genetic basis of NR synthesis in Tks is crucial for crop development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate genes involved in NR synthesis, regulation, and accumulation in Tks.
• To compare gene expression between Tks plants with high and low NR content.

Main Methods:

• Quantified NR content in 90 Tks plants across 9 accessions.
• Performed de novo root transcriptome sequencing, assembly, and annotation.
• Compared gene expression profiles of low (LR) and high (HR) rubber content plants.
• Validated key gene expression using qRT-PCR.

Main Results:

• Observed significant variability in NR content among Tks plants.
• Identified high modulation of NR synthesis genes between LR and HR plants.
• Found upregulation of sesquiterpenoid, monoterpenoid, and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis genes in LR plants.

Conclusions:

• High NR production in Tks is positively correlated with the expression of rubber synthesis genes.
• Low NR production is linked to increased expression of genes for competing secondary metabolites.
• The study provides a genomic resource for Tks research and understanding NR biosynthesis.