Defying Death: A Multi-Omics Approach to Understanding Desiccation Tolerance and Senescence in Eragrostis nindensis

Eragrostis nindensis is a resurrection grass capable of surviving near-complete desiccation. We compared non-senescent leaf tissue (NST) and senescent leaf tissue (ST) to investigate the cellular and molecular basis of desiccation tolerance and senescence. NST recovered fully after drying, while ST failed to regain viability. Integrated transcriptomic (using RNA-Seq), lipidomic (using LC-MS), and ultrastructural (Transmission Electron Microscopical) analyses revealed that NST maintain RNA processing, protein folding, and translational activity during desiccation. Lipidomic data and ultrastructure showed preferential accumulation of polyunsaturated triacylglycerols (TAGs) and lipid droplets in NST, supporting membrane protection and energy buffering. In contrast, ST showed cellular collapse, reduced oleosin protein accumulation, and signatures of senescence. These findings highlight the importance of post-transcriptional and post-translational regulation, as well as lipid metabolism, in preserving cellular integrity during desiccation in this species.