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Updated: May 13, 2025
Isolation and Transcriptome Analysis of Plant Cell Types
Published on: April 7, 2023
Comparative single-cell transcriptomic map reveals divergence in leaves between two cotton species at cell type
Hailiang Cheng1, Shang Liu2, Youping Zhang2
1National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang 455000, China; Zhengzhou Research Base, National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
This study reveals conserved and divergent leaf cell types in upland and sea-island cotton using single-nucleus RNA sequencing. Findings highlight specific genes involved in stress resistance and pigment development, aiding cotton breeding.
Area of Science:
- Plant biology
- Genomics
- Molecular genetics
Background:
- Cotton leaf cells are crucial for crop yield and quality, with upland and sea-island cotton dominating global production.
- Understanding leaf cell diversity and functional genes is key for improving cotton varieties through breeding.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare conserved and divergent leaf cell types between upland and sea-island cotton.
- To identify functional genes and explore cell-type-specific stress responses in both cotton species.
Main Methods:
- Single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) was performed on upland (CRI12) and sea-island (XH21) cotton leaves.
- A comparative single-cell transcriptomic map (CSCTM) was built using orthologous genes.
- Functional gene validation was achieved through virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) and integrated genomic analysis.
Main Results:
- Identified 22 and 20 distinct cell clusters (6 main types) in CRI12 and XH21, respectively.
- Discovered a sea-island cotton-specific cell cluster and validated GbNF-YA7's role in pathogen resistance.
- Revealed divergence in pigment gland development, with WRKY15 influencing gossypol content, and identified cell-type-specific stress responses, including Verticillium wilt resistance in vascular tissues.
Conclusions:
- Uncovered significant conservation and divergence in leaf cell types between upland and sea-island cotton.
- Provides a foundation for understanding phenotypic variations and improving cotton breeding strategies.
