Exploring Morphological, Transcriptomic, and Metabolomic Differences Between Two Sister Lines with Contrasting
Yupeng Zhou1, Edvin Sebastian Mihail1, Ziliang Luo1
1Department of Agronomy, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|May 7, 2025
Summary
Sugarcane orange rust (OR) resistance involves smaller stomata and unique gene expression. This study identifies key genes and pathways for developing OR-resistant sugarcane cultivars.
Area of Science:
- Plant Pathology
- Molecular Genetics
- Agronomy
Background:
- Orange rust (OR) disease, caused by *Puccinia kuehnii*, significantly impacts Florida sugarcane yields.
- Developing OR-resistant sugarcane cultivars is crucial for crop protection and economic stability.
- Molecular mechanisms of sugarcane OR resistance are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the genetic and molecular basis of sugarcane resistance to orange rust disease.
- To identify key genes, pathways, and molecular markers associated with OR resistance.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of two sugarcane sister lines with contrasting OR resistance.
- Morphological and anatomical characterization of stomatal traits.
- Transcriptomic analysis to identify differentially expressed genes and regulatory elements (e.g., long non-coding RNAs).
- Integrated transcriptomic-metabolomic analysis to study metabolic pathway alterations.
Main Results:
- Resistant sugarcane lines exhibit smaller stomatal size and lower stomatal density.
- Increased expression of genes related to cell surface modification and anti-fungal molecule biosynthesis (hordatines, alkaloids) in resistant lines.
- Upregulation of long non-coding RNAs involved in transcriptional regulation.
- Enhanced biosynthesis of phenylpropanoid derivatives with antioxidant and anti-fungal properties in resistant lines.
Conclusions:
- Sugarcane OR resistance is associated with specific morphological traits and complex molecular mechanisms.
- Identified genes, pathways, and SNPs provide valuable resources for marker-assisted breeding of OR-resistant sugarcane.
- This research advances understanding of sugarcane-pathogen interactions and supports breeding program development.
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