Comparative transcriptome reveals distinct starch-sugar interconversion patterns in potato genotypes contrasting for...

Area of Science:

• Plant Physiology
• Molecular Biology
• Agricultural Science

Background:

• Potatoes accumulate significant soluble sugars during cold storage, a phenomenon known as cold-induced sweetening (CIS).
• The underlying molecular mechanisms and genetic basis of CIS, particularly differences between resistant and sensitive genotypes, remain largely uncharacterized.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the dynamic cold-responded transcriptome of cold-induced sweetening resistant (CIS-R) and cold-induced sweetening sensitive (CIS-S) potato genotypes.
• To elucidate the molecular strategies and genetic differences contributing to resistance against CIS in potato tubers.

Main Methods:

• Comparative transcriptome analysis of potato tubers from CIS-R and CIS-S genotypes under cold storage conditions.
• Identification and analysis of gene expression patterns related to starch metabolism and sugar synthesis/hydrolysis.

Main Results:

• Both CIS-R and CIS-S genotypes activate starch degradation, sucrose synthesis, and hydrolysis pathways in response to cold.
• CIS-R genotypes exhibit enhanced starch synthesis and attenuated sucrose hydrolysis compared to CIS-S genotypes.
• Differential gene expression, particularly in starch-sugar interconversion pathways and candidate transcription factors, explains the variation in sugar accumulation.

Conclusions:

• Genetic variations in cold response pathways, specifically in starch synthesis and sucrose hydrolysis, differentiate CIS-R from CIS-S potato genotypes.
• The study provides insights into the molecular regulation of CIS resistance, highlighting key genes and transcription factors involved in starch-sugar interconversion.