Comparative Transcriptome Analysis of Two Contrasting Chinese Cabbage (Brassica rapa L.) Genotypes Reveals That Ion Homeostasis Is a Crucial Biological Pathway Involved in the Rapid Adaptive Response to Salt Stress

Abstract

Salt is the most important limiting factor in plant yield and quality. Different Chinese cabbage cultivars appeared different salt tolerances, but there are few studies attempting to elucidate the mechanism underlying this phenomenon. In this study, 100 mmol L–1 NaCl was found to be the most suitable treatment concentration according to a sprouting bag test of 39 Chinese cabbage cultivars, and through comprehensive comparison and analysis, the relative values of fresh weight and electrolyte leakage in leaves proved to be convenient indicators for the identification of salt tolerance in Chinese cabbage. We analyzed the physiological responses of Qinghua45 (salt-tolerant) and Biyuchunhua (salt-sensitive) in terms of the growth indexes, ion homeostasis and Photosynthesis, the results indicated that Qinghua45 could ensure osmotic regulation, ion homeostasis and photosynthesis under salt stress. Next, we compared the transcriptome dynamics of the two cultivars. Overall, 2,859 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, and the number of DEGs in Qinghua45 was significantly less than that in Biyuchunhua. VDAC promoted the release of Ca2+, which indirectly promoted the transport of Na+ to vacuoles through the SOS2 pathway. Cation/H (+) antiporter 17 and V-H + -ATPase improve the exchange of Na+ and H+ and maintain Na+ in the vacuoles, thereby reducing the injury affected by salt stress. Increases in galactinol synthase and soluble protein synthesis helped relieve osmotic stress caused by salt, together, they regulated the Na+ content and chlorophyll biosynthesis of the plant and enabled the plant to adapt to salt stress over time.

Integrated physiological and transcriptional dissection reveals the core genes involving nutrient transport and osmoregulatory substance biosynthesis in allohexaploid wheat seedlings under salt stress

“…The growth status of plants under salt stress is the most intuitive feature to assess the salt tolerance. The most common growth characteristics included plant height, fresh weight, dry weight, leaf area, and chlorophyll content [ 37 ]. Consistent with previous reports, our present study found that salt stress caused a reduction in growth performance and biomass accumulation, thus impairing the physiology and morphology of wheat seedlings (Fig.…”

Genome-Wide Transcriptomic and Proteomic Exploration of Molecular Regulations in Quinoa Responses to Ethylene and Salt Stress

“…Betalain is a tyrosine-derived, red-violet, and yellow pigment in quinoa with antioxidant activity, which plays important roles in salt responses [52]. For example, CqCYP76AD1-1 was reported in the betalain biosynthesis process in quinoa [53,54].…”

Exogenous melatonin enhances cell wall response to salt stress in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) and the development of the associated predictive molecular markers

“…In this study, phenotypic indicators (such as length, surface area, volume, and diameter) revealed that salt stress inhibited the sprouting of common bean. Similarly, salt stress significantly inhibited primary radicle elongation ( P<0.05 ) in maize ( Zea Mays ) at the sprouting stage ( Li et al., 2021a ). In common bean ( P. vulgaris ), the length, surface area, volume, and lateral root were reduced under salt stress compared with the control treatment ( Zhang et al., 2021b ).…”