Reference based transcriptome assembly of Piper nigrum L. reveals novel genes and transcripts in drought tolerance

Area of Science:

• Plant Science
• Molecular Biology
• Genomics

Background:

• Black pepper (Piper nigrum) is economically important but vulnerable to drought stress.
• Understanding the molecular basis of drought tolerance is crucial for crop improvement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) related to drought tolerance in black pepper.
• To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying drought adaptation in Piper nigrum.

Main Methods:

• Comparative transcriptome analysis of drought-tolerant and susceptible black pepper accessions under water deficit.
• RNA sequencing and differential gene expression analysis.
• Validation of key DEGs using RT-qPCR and co-expression analysis.

Main Results:

• Identified 2,780 DEGs, including those involved in photosynthesis (e.g., RUBISCO-S), protein synthesis (e.g., 50S_RP), and phosphate homeostasis (e.g., SPX).
• Highlighted enriched biological processes like metabolic reprogramming and secondary metabolite biosynthesis.
• Confirmed involvement of genes such as catalase, defensin, RUBISCO, MYB101, SGNH, GIB67, and ZAT10 in drought tolerance.

Conclusions:

• The study provides a molecular understanding of drought tolerance in black pepper.
• Identified candidate genes for breeding drought-resistant black pepper cultivars.
• Lays the groundwork for developing resilient Piper nigrum varieties to combat climate change impacts.