Deciphering the Genetic Mechanisms of Salt Tolerance in Sorghum bicolor L.: Key Genes and SNP Associations from Comparative Transcriptomic Analyses

Abstract

Sorghum bicolor L. is a vital cereal crop for global food security. Its adaptability to diverse climates make it economically, socially, and environmentally valuable. However, soil salinization caused by climate extremes poses a threat to sorghum. This study aimed to identify candidate salt-tolerant genes and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) by performing a comparative transcriptome analysis on a mutant sorghum line and its wild type. The mutant line was generated through gamma ray exposure and selection for salt tolerance. Phenotypic measurements were taken, followed by mRNA sequencing and variant calling. In this study, potential genes and non-synonymous SNPs associated with salt tolerance were inferred, including LOC8071970, LOC8067721, LOC110430887, LOC8070256, and LOC8056880. These genes demonstrated notable differences in nsSNPs in comparison to the wild type, suggesting their potential roles in salt tolerance. Additionally, LOC8060874 (cyanohydrin beta-glucosyltransferase) was suggested as a key gene involved in salt tolerance due to its possible role in dhurrin biosynthesis under salt stress. In upcoming research, additional reverse genetics studies will be necessary in order to verify the function of those candidate genes in relation to salt stress. In conclusion, this study underscores the significance of investigating salt tolerance mechanisms and the potential key genes associated with salt tolerance in sorghum. Our findings may provide insights for future breeding strategies aimed at enhancing salinity tolerance and crop productivity.

Genome-wide identification of the sorghum OVATE gene family and revelation of its expression characteristics in sorghum seeds and leaves

“…The harvested sorghum seeds and stalks can be used not only for brewing wine and sugar, but also as animal feed to improve the industrial value of sorghum 2 . Meanwhile, due to its excellent drought resistance and salinity tolerance, sorghum has become a representative of C4 model crops and has been applied in many stress tolerance studies 3 . With the rapid development of the brewing and clean bioenergy industries, the market demand for sorghum is gradually increasing.…”