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Transcriptomic and Physiological Profiling Elucidates Differential Salt Stress Responses in Tolerant 'SO4' and
Abdul Hakeem1, Essam Elatafi1,2, Wen Liu1
1Key Laboratory of Genetics and Fruit Development, College of Horticulture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|July 28, 2026
Summary
Grapevine rootstocks show distinct physiological and gene expression responses to salt stress. The salt-tolerant
Area of Science:
- Plant Biology
- Agricultural Science
- Genetics
Background:
- Soil salinity is a major abiotic stress limiting grapevine (Vitis spp.) cultivation worldwide.
- Understanding the molecular mechanisms of salt tolerance in grapevine rootstocks is crucial for improving crop productivity in saline environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the physiological and transcriptomic responses to salt stress between a salt-tolerant grapevine rootstock ('SO4') and a salt-sensitive one ('Beida').
- To identify key genes and molecular pathways involved in grapevine salt tolerance.
Main Methods:
- Comparative physiological analysis of photosynthetic pigments, oxidative stress markers, and osmolyte accumulation.
- RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) to analyze global gene expression profiles under salt stress.
- Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) to identify modules and hub genes associated with salt tolerance.
Main Results:
- Salt stress reduced photosynthetic pigments in both rootstocks, but 'SO4' maintained higher levels.
- 'SO4' exhibited enhanced osmotic adjustment and greater activation of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase) compared to 'Beida'.
- RNA-seq revealed significant genotype- and time-dependent transcriptional reprogramming, with key genes identified in hormone signaling, secondary metabolism, and redox regulation. The MEblack module, containing VvBCA2 and VvLCB1, was strongly linked to salt tolerance in 'SO4'.
Conclusions:
- Grapevine salt tolerance involves coordinated physiological adjustments and complex transcriptional reprogramming.
- Specific genes like VvBCA2 and VvLCB1, and transcription factor families (MYB, WRKY, AP2/ERF, bHLH, HSF), are key players in conferring salt tolerance.
- These findings provide valuable insights and candidate genes for developing salt-tolerant grapevine varieties.
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