Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Co-Expression Regulation of Sugar Transport and Signaling Networks in Initiating
Jun Hu1, Jinxue Hu2, Shaoguang Duan1
1State Key Laboratory of Vegetable Biobreeding, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Tuber and Root Crops, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of the People's Republic of China, Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|June 13, 2025
Summary
This study reveals key genes and regulatory networks controlling potato tuber development. It identifies specific genes like StSWEET11 and StSP6A involved in early maturity and tuber formation, providing insights into plant growth regulation.
Area of Science:
- Plant Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Agricultural Science
Background:
- Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) tuber development and maturity are complex processes.
- Understanding the molecular regulatory mechanisms is crucial for improving potato breeding and yield.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the co-expression regulatory network governing leaf, stem, and tuber development in potato.
- To identify key genes and pathways involved in different maturity periods and tuber formation stages.
Main Methods:
- RNA sequencing was performed on five tissue types from three potato cultivars with varying maturity periods.
- Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) was employed to identify gene modules and hub genes.
- Differential gene expression analysis was conducted to pinpoint significant molecular players.
Main Results:
- Specific genes, including StSWEET11 and StSP6A, were upregulated in early-maturing cultivars.
- Eighteen gene modules (ME) were identified, with significant correlations to leaf, stem, and tuber tissues (T1, T2).
- StSP5G was identified as a core hub gene in stem-related module ME4. StGIGANTEA and metabolism-related genes (StSUSⅠc/StSuSy4, StDPE1) were found to link expression networks between tissues.
Conclusions:
- The study provides novel insights into the regulatory network controlling tuberous signal transmission from leaves and stems to tubers.
- Identified genes and pathways offer potential targets for genetic improvement of potato cultivars.
- The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of plant development and maturity regulation in Solanum tuberosum.
