SUMMARY
Resurrection plants can survive prolonged life without water (anhydrobiosis) in regions with seasonal drying. This desiccation tolerance requires the coordination of numerous cellular processes across space and time, and individual plant tissues face unique constraints related to their function. Here, we analyzed the complex, octoploid genome of the model resurrection plant Craterostigma (C. plantagineum), and surveyed spatial and temporal expression dynamics to identify genetic elements underlying desiccation tolerance. Homeologous genes within the Craterostigma genome have divergent expression profiles, suggesting the subgenomes contribute differently to desiccation tolerance traits. The Craterostigma genome contains almost 200 tandemly duplicated early light‐induced proteins, a hallmark trait of desiccation tolerance, with massive upregulation under water deficit. We identified a core network of desiccation‐responsive genes across all tissues, but observed almost entirely unique expression dynamics in each tissue during recovery. Roots and leaves have differential responses related to light and photoprotection, autophagy and nutrient transport, reflecting their divergent functions. Our findings highlight a universal set of likely ancestral desiccation tolerance mechanisms to protect cellular macromolecules under anhydrobiosis, with secondary adaptations related to tissue function.
SOEPpapers on Multidisciplinary Panel Data Research at DIW Berlin This series presents research findings based either directly on data from the German SocioEconomic Panel study (SOEP) or using SOEP data as part of an internationally comparable data set (e.g. CNEF, ECHP, LIS, LWS, CHER/PACO). SOEP is a truly multidisciplinary household panel study covering a wide range of social and behavioral sciences:
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