Affiliation:
1. State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
2. State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Key Laboratory of Tree Breeding and Cultivation of State Forestry Administration, Research Institute of Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing 100091, China
Abstract
Poplar coma, the fluff-like appendages of seeds originating from the differentiated surface cells of the placenta and funicle, aids in the long-distance dispersal of seeds in the spring. However, it also poses hazards to human safety and causes pollution in the surrounding environment. Unraveling the regulatory mechanisms governing the initiation and development of coma is essential for addressing this issue comprehensively. In this study, strand-specific RNA-seq was conducted at three distinct stages of coma development, revealing 1888 lncRNAs and 52,810 mRNAs. The expression profiles of lncRNAs and mRNAs during coma development were analyzed. Subsequently, potential target genes of lncRNAs were predicted through co-localization and co-expression analyses. Integrating various types of sequencing data, lncRNA-miRNA-TF regulatory networks related to the initiation of coma were constructed. Utilizing identified differentially expressed genes encoding kinesin and actin, lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory networks associated with the construction and arrangement of the coma cytoskeleton were established. Additionally, relying on differentially expressed genes encoding cellulose synthase, sucrose synthase, and expansin, lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory networks related to coma cell wall synthesis and remodeling were developed. This study not only enhances the comprehension of lncRNA but also provides novel insights into the molecular mechanisms governing the initiation and development of poplar coma.
Funder
National Key Research and Development Program of China
National Natural Science Foundation of China
Natural Science Foundation of the Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions of China
Priority Academic Program Development of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions