Metabolite profiling and associated gene expression reveal two metabolic shifts during the seed-to-seedling transition in Arabidopsis thaliana

Abstract

Key messageMetabolic and transcriptomic correlation analysis identified two distinctive profiles involved in the metabolic preparation for seed germination and seedling establishment, respectively. Transcripts were identified that may control metabolic fluxes.AbstractThe transition from a quiescent metabolic state (dry seed) to the active state of a vigorous seedling is crucial in the plant’s life cycle. We analysed this complex physiological trait by measuring the changes in primary metabolism that occur during the transition in order to determine which metabolic networks are operational. The transition involves several developmental stages from seed germination to seedling establishment, i.e. between imbibition of the mature dry seed and opening of the cotyledons, the final stage of seedling establishment. We hypothesized that the advancement of growth is associated with certain signature metabolite profiles. Metabolite–metabolite correlation analysis underlined two specific profiles which appear to be involved in the metabolic preparation for seed germination and efficient seedling establishment, respectively. Metabolite profiles were also compared to transcript profiles and although transcriptional changes did not always equate to a proportional metabolic response, in depth correlation analysis identified several transcripts that may directly influence the flux through metabolic pathways during the seed-to-seedling transition. This correlation analysis also pinpointed metabolic pathways which are significant for the seed-to-seedling transition, and metabolite contents that appeared to be controlled directly by transcript abundance. This global view of the transcriptional and metabolic changes during the seed-to-seedling transition in Arabidopsis opens up new perspectives for understanding the complex regulatory mechanism underlying this transition.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s11103-017-0665-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Nanoparticle-Mediated Seed Priming Improves Germination, Growth, Yield, and Quality of Watermelons (Citrullus lanatus) at multi-locations in Texas

“…This suggests a substantial mobilization from reserves into glycolysis. The data are in agreement with results obtained by gas chromatography analyses of sugars in rice 22 and Arabidopsis thaliana seeds 23 . These data corresponded well with the early protrusion of radicles and enhanced growth rate in AgNP-primed seeds compared to other treatments.…”

Regulatory actors and alternative routes for Arabidopsis seed germination are revealed using a pathway‐based analysis of transcriptomic datasets

“…By contrast, threonine, proline, serine and aspartate were high in Cvi seeds whereas they remained low in Col seeds during the germination process (Figure 5d). The findings related to carbohydrates in Col seeds are in agreement with the ones already shown by Silva et al (2017) but the present analysis reveals an alternative regulation of metabolism in germinating Cvi seeds, as suggested when using Pathifier. The regulation of C/N balance during seed germination differed between Col and Cvi, with a tendency for high C/low N in Col and low C/high N in Cvi.…”

“…This can be of particular importance during seed germination because the C/N balance may control metabolism, the expression of many genes, ABA signalling and cell wall biogenesis (Zheng, 2009;Osuna et al, 2015). However, the role of C/N balance in seeds has so far been poorly described (Silva et al, 2017).…”

Comparative analysis of metabolome of rice seeds at three developmental stages using a recombinant inbred line population

“…Furthermore, the accumulation of anthocyanins and most of the indole‐derived glucosinolates in leaves largely increases continuously throughout leaf senescence (Watanabe et al ., ). Development‐dependent accumulation is also observed concerning the content of primary metabolites (Mounet et al ., ; Hu et al ., ; Silva et al ., ). For instance, Hu et al .…”