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Published on: October 5, 2016
Integrated physiological, transcriptomic, and metabolomic analysis of exogenous trehalose regulating cold tolerance
Ling Wang1,2, Jianbo Wang3,4, Ziyi Zhu3,4
1School of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, 453003, China. wangling@hist.edu.cn.
BMC Plant Biology
|July 15, 2026
Summary
Exogenous trehalose application enhances cold tolerance in Vitis vinifera callus by improving physiological traits and altering gene expression. This study identifies key genes and pathways involved in trehalose-mediated chilling injury resistance in grape callus.
Area of Science:
- Plant Science
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Vitis vinifera (grapevine) is economically important, but chilling injury limits its yield.
- Cold stress negatively impacts grape production, hindering industry development.
- Previous research indicated exogenous trehalose improves abiotic stress tolerance in grape callus.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the regulatory mechanisms of exogenous trehalose in enhancing cold tolerance in Vitis vinifera callus.
- To explore physiological, transcriptomic, and metabolomic responses to trehalose under cold stress.
- To identify candidate genes and pathways involved in trehalose-mediated chilling injury resistance.
Main Methods:
- Physiological assays measuring fresh weight, soluble sugar content, enzyme activities (POD, SOD, CAT), and oxidative damage markers (MDA, O₂•⁻).
- Transcriptomic analysis (RNA-Seq) with KEGG enrichment and Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA).
- Metabolomic analysis to identify differentially abundant metabolites (DAMs).
- RT-qPCR validation of selected gene expression.
Main Results:
- Trehalose treatment alleviated chilling injury, increased fresh weight, soluble sugar content, and antioxidant enzyme activities in grape callus.
- Transcriptomic data revealed differentially expressed genes (DEGs) enriched in secondary metabolite biosynthesis, hormone signal transduction, and MAPK signaling pathways.
- Integrated analysis identified candidate genes (e.g., VQ22, RGLG2) and metabolic pathways (e.g., flavonoids, terpenoids) crucial for trehalose-mediated cold response.
Conclusions:
- Integrated multi-omics approaches successfully identified key modules and genes associated with cold tolerance in grape callus.
- The study elucidated physiological responses and potential pathways underlying trehalose-induced cold tolerance.
- Candidate genes involved in this regulatory process were characterized, offering a theoretical basis for improving grape cold resistance.
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