Transcriptome analysis revealed accumulation‐assimilation of selenium and physio‐biochemical changes in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) leaves

Abstract

BACKGROUND Selenium (Se) is an increasing concern for investigators predominantly because of its consumption in the human body mainly from crops. As the fourth largest plant crop globally, alfalfa is one of the most important forages. Alfalfa was fertilized with selenium(IV) (Se(IV)) under field conditions to study the accumulation and assimilation of Se(IV) and to assess the impact of Se fertilization. RESULTS It was analyzed that the physio‐biochemistry, Se species, combined with transcriptome after spraying Se(IV) at different times (0, 12, and 48 h). 9402 and 12 607 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified at 12 h (versus 0 h) and 48 h (versus 12 h). DEG functional enrichments proposed two time‐specific biological processes: Se(IV) accumulation was the primary process at 0–12 h, and its assimilation mainly occurred during 12–48 h. This was further proved by the separation of various Se speciation at different times. It showed that Se‐supplementation also affected the soluble protein, soluble sugar, pigment contents and antioxidant capacity. Selenium‐biofortification could improve the stress resistance of alfalfa by enhancing antioxidant system to scavenge reactive oxygen species (e.g. hydrogen peroxide) and boosting carbohydrate metabolism. CONCLUSION By integrating physio‐biochemistry, Se‐related metabolites, and transcriptome under Se(IV) treatment, this study provides data to guide further work on Se‐fortification in alfalfa. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Comparative transcriptomics provides novel insights into the mechanisms of selenium accumulation and transportation in tea cultivars (Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze)

“…The RNA-Seq method has been used to analyze DEGs and has become a standard in multiple research fields ( Costa-Silva et al., 2023 ). RNA-Seq technology can be used to identify genes related to Se transportation, accumulation, and assimilation ( Hu et al., 2022 ). The transport mechanism of Na 2 SeO 3 is more complex than that of Na 2 SeO 4 .…”

Integrated agronomic, physiological, microstructure, and whole-transcriptome analyses reveal the role of biomass accumulation and quality formation during Se biofortification in alfalfa

“…To mitigate the adverse health effects of insufficient dietary Se, several food items have been enriched with Se. Additionally, it is suggested that the biofortification of crops like alfalfa can be achieved by supplementing Se through fertilizers ( Hu et al., 2022 ). There are currently very few preliminary studies on Se enrichment in alfalfa, with the majority of research focusing on the kinetics of selenium uptake in multiple-harvested hay ( Kovács et al., 2021 ), the impact of Se on quality and yield ( Hu et al., 2010 ), and the effect of animal husbandry after feeding Se-enriched alfalfa ( Pan et al., 2021 ).…”

“…Hay production and plant height were calculated using the approach described in Hu et al (2010). The Se accumulation was computed using the method of Hu et al by multiplying the hay yield and the Se content of alfalfa harvested during the initial flowering period (Hu et al, 2010).…”

“…Alfalfa ( Medicago sativa L.) is one of the most important forage plants because of its high nutritional quality, yield, and adaptability. Se is readily absorbed by alfalfa, which can also accumulate a certain amount of Se ( Hu et al., 2022 ). Furthermore, Se-fortified alfalfa increased growth and survival rates, as well as promoted Se accumulation and colostrum antibodies in calves.…”

Selenium volatilization in plants, microalgae, and microorganisms

“…In addition, Se as a trace element, can participate in the formation of enzymes that protect plant cells from oxidation, biotic and abiotic stresses, and play a beneficial role in plant growth. Se can also be added to the soil as a fertilizer to improve the yield and quality of crops [ [21] , [22] , [23] ]. Bocchini et al studied the increased resistance of maize to drought stress by inducing drought tolerance under exogenous Se supply [ 24 ].…”