Comparative transcriptome and coexpression network analysis of carpel quantitative variation in Paeonia rockii

Area of Science:

• Plant genetics and genomics
• Molecular biology
• Transcriptomics

Background:

• Quantitative variation in floral organs is a complex transcriptional process.
• Molecular mechanisms remain largely unknown in woody plants like Paeonia rockii.
• Paeonia rockii exhibits significant variation in carpel number, with limited molecular studies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying carpel quantitative variation in Paeonia rockii.
• To identify candidate genes and regulatory pathways involved in carpel number variation.
• To provide a resource for understanding floral organ development in tree peonies.

Main Methods:

• Comparative transcriptome analysis using next-generation and single-molecule long-read sequencing (NGS and SMLRS).
• Clustering pattern analysis and weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA).
• Identification and characterization of differentially expressed genes (DEGs).

Main Results:

• 66,563 unigenes and 28,155 DEGs were identified.
• 15 candidate genes, including transcription factors (TFs) from MYB, WD, RING1, and LRR families, were implicated in carpel variation.
• PsMYB114-like, PsMYB12, and PsMYB61-like were highlighted as key regulators of carpel number.

Conclusions:

• High-quality sequencing data and gene expression profiles for Paeonia rockii were generated.
• Identified DEGs serve as candidates for functional analysis of carpel variation.
• The study provides insights into the molecular basis of floral organ variation in tree peonies and other woody crops.