Transcriptome analysis of diploid and triploid Populus tomentosa

Area of Science:

• Plant Biology
• Forest Genetics
• Molecular Ecology

Background:

• Triploid Chinese white poplar (Populus tomentosa) demonstrates enhanced growth, stress resistance, and wood quality over diploid counterparts.
• Identifying genetic markers for growth vigor in Populus tomentosa is crucial for selective breeding programs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To utilize transcriptome sequencing to identify candidate transcriptome-based markers for growth vigor in young Populus tomentosa tissue.
• To provide insights for future breeding of Populus tomentosa varieties with improved growth characteristics.

Main Methods:

• Transcriptome sequencing was performed on diploid and triploid Populus tomentosa cuttings.
• Differential gene expression analysis identified 12,240 significantly different genes.
• RT-qPCR was used to verify the expression of selected growth-related genes in tissue culture and greenhouse-planted materials.

Main Results:

• 12,240 differentially expressed genes were annotated and enriched into 135 metabolic pathways.
• Key enriched pathways included plant-pathogen interaction, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, and MAPK signaling.
• Expression levels of MDH and CYCD3 were higher in triploid than diploid Populus tomentosa, consistent with transcriptome data.

Conclusions:

• Transcriptome sequencing effectively identified differentially expressed genes and metabolic pathways associated with growth differences in Populus tomentosa.
• Genes such as MDH and CYCD3 are potential markers for growth vigor in triploid Populus tomentosa.
• This study provides a foundation for marker-assisted breeding of superior Populus tomentosa varieties.