Alternative splicing shapes the transcriptome complexity in blackgram [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper]

Area of Science:

• Plant genomics
• Molecular biology
• Transcriptomics

Background:

• Vigna mungo is a vital crop susceptible to various stresses.
• Understanding gene regulation, particularly alternative splicing (AS), is key to developing stress-resilient varieties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively analyze the genome-wide alternative splicing (AS) landscape in Vigna mungo.
• To investigate splicing dynamics across different tissues and under stress conditions.
• To elucidate the functional roles of AS in Vigna mungo's response to environmental cues.

Main Methods:

• Genome-wide transcriptome analysis using RNA sequencing.
• High-throughput computational analysis to identify AS events and gene isoforms.
• Differential expression analysis of splicing variants under viral and Fe2+ stress.

Main Results:

• Identified 54,526 AS events across 15,506 genes, generating 57,405 transcript isoforms.
• AS genes are involved in diverse regulatory functions, with transcription factors showing splicing intensity.
• Differential isoform expression impacts the host transcriptome under viral pathogenesis and Fe2+ stress, with AS acting independently of differential gene expression.

Conclusions:

• Alternative splicing (AS) plays a critical regulatory role in Vigna mungo across tissues and stress conditions.
• AS provides a unique regulatory mechanism distinct from differential gene expression.
• The findings offer a valuable genomic resource for future Vigna mungo research and crop improvement.