Comprehensive transcriptome analysis reveals StMAPK7 regulate cold response in potato.

Area of Science:

• Plant Science
• Molecular Biology
• Genetics

Background:

• Cold stress significantly impacts potato crop yield and quality.
• The precise molecular mechanisms of potato cold stress response are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate the molecular mechanisms of cold stress response in potato.
• To identify key genes and regulatory networks involved in cold acclimation.

Main Methods:

• Comparative analysis of chloroplast ultrastructure under cold stress.
• RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs).
• Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses.
• Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) to construct regulatory networks.
• Subcellular localization and functional analysis of StMAPK7.

Main Results:

• Cold stress altered chloroplast ultrastructure in S. cardiophyllum but not S. commersonii.
• 3,623 DEGs were identified in response to cold acclimation.
• Enriched GO terms included membrane protein complex and photosynthesis; KEGG analysis highlighted photosynthesis and chlorophyll metabolism.
• WGCNA identified four regulatory networks associated with cold stress.
• StMAPK7, localized to the nucleus, positively regulated cold stress response, reducing leaf injury and electrolyte leakage.

Conclusions:

• StMAPK7 plays a crucial role in enhancing potato cold tolerance.
• The study provides insights into potato cold stress regulatory networks.
• Findings offer a theoretical foundation for developing cold-resistant potato varieties.