Integrating Transcriptomics and Hormones Dynamics Reveal Seed Germination and Emergence Process in Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua

Abstract

Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua is a traditional Chinese herb propagated using rhizomes, and excessive demand for seedlings and quality deterioration caused by rhizome propagation has highlighted that seed propagation may be an ideal solution to address these issues. However, the molecular mechanisms involved in P. cyrtonema Hua seed germination and emergence stages are not well understood. Therefore, in the present study, we performed transcriptomics combined with hormone dynamics during different seed germination stages, and 54,178 unigenes with an average length of 1390.38 bp (N50 = 1847 bp) were generated. Significant transcriptomic changes were related to plant hormone signal transduction and the starch and carbohydrate pathways. Genes related to ABA(abscisic acid), IAA(Indole acetic acid), and JA(Jasmonic acid) signaling, were downregulated, whereas genes related to ethylene, BR(brassinolide), CTK(Cytokinin), and SA(salicylic acid) biosynthesis and signaling were activated during the germination process. Interestingly, GA biosynthesis- and signaling-related genes were induced during the germination stage but decreased in the emergence stage. In addition, seed germination significantly upregulated the expression of genes associated with starch and sucrose metabolism. Notably, raffinose biosynthesis-related genes were induced, especially during the emergence stage. In total, 1171 transcription factor (TF) genes were found to be differentially expressed. Our results provide new insights into the mechanisms underlying P. cyrtonema Hua seed germination and emergence processes and further research for molecular breeding.

Combined Analysis of Untargeted Metabolomics and Transcriptomics Revealed Seed Germination and Seedling Establishment in Zelkova schneideriana

“…Previously, it was discovered that starch and sucrose pathways were significantly upregulated during seed germination in Polygonatum cyrtonema [63]. Similarly, in Cinnamomum migao, genes related to carbohydrate and lipid metabolism were predominantly activated after seed coat rupture [64]. Additionally, there was a decrease in total starch and crude oil content during seed germination of Phyllostachys edulis, whereas genes involved in starch metabolism and lipid body degradation pathways were consistently upregulated [65].…”