Comparative Transcriptomic and Metabolomic Analysis of Two Related Kandelia obovata Populations in Response to Cold...

Temperature plays a pivotal role in shaping the distribution of mangroves, as episodes of low temperature have severe impacts on their survival and geographical range. Kandelia obovata has gained recognition as an ideal species for investigating mangroves response mechanisms to cold stress. However, there is a paucity of reports focusing on its response to freezing stress and its adaptive mechanisms during recovery stages. In this study, we subjected two populations of K. obovata (southern F-J and northern Z-J) collected from the southeast coastal area of China to a simulated cold wave. We conducted phenotype analyses along with comparative transcriptomics and metabolomics investigations on these two populations, which exhibited differential freeze resistance. Our clustering analyses highlighted groups of K. obovata genes and metabolites that may contribute to the enhanced plant adaptability and survival capacity when exposed to cold wave. Notably, the freeze-resistant Z-J population exhibited thickened cuticle layer and enhanced jasmonic acid pathway during their recovery stage. This study provides novel insights into comprehending the molecular responses and survival mechanisms employed by K. obovata against cold waves, while also offering a valuable transcriptome and metabolome resource for future investigations in molecular ecology and conservation strategies for mangroves in both their native habitats and introduced environments.

The online version contains supplementary material available at https://doi.org/10.1007/s43657-024-00204-7.