Transcriptomic Insights Into Elevation-Dependent Gene Expression in Rhododendron anthopogon D.Don: Implications for...

Area of Science:

• Plant molecular biology
• Ecology
• Genomics

Background:

• Understanding plant adaptation to diverse elevations is crucial for predicting climate change impacts.
• Rhododendron anthopogon D.Don is a key alpine species in the Kashmir Himalaya.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate gene expression variations in Rhododendron anthopogon D.Don along an elevation gradient.
• To identify molecular mechanisms underlying adaptation to high altitudes.

Main Methods:

• Comparative transcriptomics was employed to analyze gene expression patterns.
• Gene co-expression network (GCN) analysis was used to identify regulatory transcription factors.

Main Results:

• Significant differences in gene expression were observed between the lowest (3200m) and highest (3900m) elevations.
• Transcripts related to stress response and secondary metabolism were highly enriched.
• Expression of genes involved in secondary metabolite production increased with altitude.
• 200 transcription factors from 36 families were implicated in regulating altitude-responsive metabolic pathways.

Conclusions:

• Metabolic pathways regulated by identified transcription factors are crucial for Rhododendron anthopogon adaptation to high-altitude environmental stress.
• This study provides insights into the molecular basis of alpine plant adaptation to climate change.