ROS-Centered Transcriptomic Regulatory Networks Linking Salinity Stress, Antioxidant Defense and Processability...

Area of Science:

• Plant Biology
• Molecular Biology
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Salinity stress impacts halophytic plants, affecting biomass composition, structure, and processability.
• Existing transcriptomic studies primarily focus on salt tolerance, neglecting the link to biomass processing traits.
• A systematic framework is needed to connect stress-regulated molecular networks with biomass quality in halophytes like Salicornia.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a mechanistic framework linking salinity perception and stress responses to processing-oriented biomass traits in Salicornia.
• To consolidate knowledge on molecular networks, including signaling pathways and transcription factors, that influence biomass quality.
• To highlight advanced genomic and computational strategies for improving halophyte biomass for various applications.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and synthesis of existing transcriptomic and molecular data on Salicornia and related halophytes.
• Analysis of salinity perception, ROS signaling, ABA and MAPK pathways, and antioxidant systems (enzymatic and non-enzymatic).
• Discussion of regulatory roles of transcription factor families (WRKY, DREB/CBF, NAC, bZIP, MYB) and network-based approaches (WGCNA, pathway signatures).

Main Results:

• Salinity stress molecular networks directly influence residual salinity, water retention, texture, extractability, drying behavior, and oxidative stability of Salicornia biomass.
• Enzymatic (SOD, CAT, APX, POD) and non-enzymatic (ascorbate, glutathione, phenolics, carotenoids, proline, glycine betaine) antioxidant systems play crucial roles.
• Transcription factors (WRKY, DREB/CBF, NAC, bZIP, MYB) act as key regulators connecting stress responses to biomass traits.

Conclusions:

• A mechanistic framework is proposed to interpret Salicornia transcriptomics for application-oriented biomass improvement.
• Network-based approaches and advanced genomic/computational tools (CRISPR/Cas, GWAS, AI) are vital for predicting and enhancing stress-dependent biomass quality.
• This approach shifts focus from salt tolerance to improving halophytic raw materials for food, feed, and bioprocessing.