A comparative transcriptomic analysis reveals a coordinated mechanism activated in response to cold acclimation in common vetch (Vicia sativa L.)

Abstract

Background Due to its strong abiotic stress tolerance, common vetch is widely cultivated as a green manure and forage crop in grass and crop rotation systems. The comprehensive molecular mechanisms activated in common vetch during cold adaptation remain unknown. Results We investigated physiological responses and transcriptome profiles of cold-sensitive (Lanjian No. 1) and cold-tolerant (Lanjian No. 3) cultivars during cold acclimation to explore the molecular mechanisms of cold acclimation. In total, 2681 and 2352 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in Lanjian No. 1 and Lanjian No. 3, respectively; 7532 DEGs were identified in both lines. DEGs involved in “plant hormone signal transduction” were significantly enriched during cold treatment, and 115 DEGs involved in cold-processed hormone signal transduction were identified. Common vetch increased the level of indoleacetic acid (IAA) by upregulating the transcriptional regulator Aux/IAA and downregulating GH3, endowing it with stronger cold tolerance. An auxin-related DEG was overexpressed in yeast and shown to possess a biological function conferring cold tolerance. Conclusion This study identifies specific genes involved in Ca2+ signaling, redox regulation, circadian clock, plant hormones, and transcription factors whose transcriptional differentiation during cold acclimation may improve cold tolerance and contributes to the understanding of common and unique molecular mechanisms of cold acclimation in common vetch. The candidate genes identified here also provide valuable resources for further functional genomic and breeding studies.

Transcriptome Profiling Reveals Molecular Responses to Salt Stress in Common Vetch (Vicia sativa L.)

“…Salinity leads to the accumulation of Na + and ionic toxicity in common vetch [ 22 , 65 ]. The intracellular Na + and K + ion balance plays a crucial role in plant salt tolerance.…”

“…4.4. Na + and K + Transport and ROS Scavenging Were Associated with the Differential Salt Tolerance between the Two Lines Salinity leads to the accumulation of Na + and ionic toxicity in common vetch [22,65]. The intracellular Na + and K + ion balance plays a crucial role in plant salt tolerance.…”

“…A draft genome sequence of common vetch has been reported [ 17 , 18 ], which benefits the identification of important genes. A transcriptomic analysis is performed to reveal the candidate genes involved in pod shattering [ 19 ] and responses to Cd, drought, cold, and salt [ 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 ]. The salt tolerance in 54 lines of common vetch has been evaluated, and the differential physiological responses to salt stress between the salt-tolerant and salt-sensitive lines showed that the capacity for the maintenance of Na + and K + homeostasis, the accumulation of proline, and the activation of the antioxidant defense system is associated with salt tolerance in common vetch [ 25 ].…”

Tissue-Specific Transcriptomic Analysis Reveals the Response Mechanism of Cold Stress in Poa crymophila, a Native Grass in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau

“…Cold is a common abiotic stress that has become a major environmental factor affecting plant life cycle and geographic distribution as well as crop yields by influencing plant growth and development [2]. The immense impact of cold stress on global agricultural productivity is undeniable, with cold damage costing approximately $2 billion annually which includes about 13 million hectares of rice each year [3,4]. Therefore, understanding the cold resistance mechanisms of plants to improve their cold tolerance is essential to maintain sustainable agricultural production.…”

“…Besides, in the recent years, transcriptome studies have provided a new perspective for research on the plant response to cold stress [3,7,17]. A previous study reported that the plant circadian pathway was crucial for the response of Helictotrichon virescens to cold stress; the expression of DEGs encoding LHY and HY5 were strongly up-regulated during cold stress [7].…”