Transcriptional analyses reveal the molecular mechanism governing shade tolerance in the invasive plant Solidago canadensis

Abstract

Solidago canadensis is an invasive plant that is capable of adapting to variable light conditions. To elucidate the shade tolerance mechanism in S. canadensis at the molecular level, transcriptome analyses were performed for leaves growing under natural light and three shade level conditions. Many differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were found in the comparative analysis, including those involved in photosynthesis, antioxidant, and secondary metabolism of phenol‐ and flavonoid‐related pathways. Most genes encoding proteins involved in photosynthesis, such as photosystem I reaction center subunit (Psa), photosystem II core complex protein (Psb), and light‐harvesting chlorophyll protein (Lhca and Lhcb), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging‐related enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT), were upregulated with the shade levels. Furthermore, most of the DEGs related to secondary metabolite synthesis were also upregulated in the shade conditions. Our study indicates that S. canadensis can respond to shade stress by modulating the expression of several photosynthesis‐related, free radical scavenging‐related, and secondary metabolism‐related genes; thus, this species has the ability to adapt to different light conditions.

Population Genomics Reveals Gene Flow and Adaptive Signature in Invasive Weed Mikania micrantha

“…The enrichment of unique gene families in the photosynthesis pathway reflects the importance of photosynthesis in the invasion and adaptation of M. micrantha. Similarly, the upregulation of genes related to photosynthesis promotes the adaptation of Solidago canadensis to a shaded habitat, greatly improving the plant's ability to adapt to different light conditions [93]. The identification of unique gene families in M. micrantha with functional importance will provide a valuable resource for further research on the adaptive mechanisms of this species.…”

Effect of shading on physiological attributes and comparative transcriptome analysis of Camellia sinensis cultivar reveals tolerance mechanisms to low temperatures

“…Zaman et al (2022) stated that different shade nets increased the physiological and biochemical attributes of C. sinensis (Zaman et al, 2022). Recently, a few studies were published on plant response to the shading on gene and transcriptional expression levels (Wu et al, 2020;Fang et al, 2022). The study of Wu et al (2022) revealed that under three shading conditions compared to no-shade control plants, the phenotypic, physiological, and photosynthetic DEGs were enhanced in Sambucus canadensis (Wu et al, 2020).…”

“…Recently, a few studies were published on plant response to the shading on gene and transcriptional expression levels (Wu et al, 2020;Fang et al, 2022). The study of Wu et al (2022) revealed that under three shading conditions compared to no-shade control plants, the phenotypic, physiological, and photosynthetic DEGs were enhanced in Sambucus canadensis (Wu et al, 2020). The authors also observed that the DEGs linked with photosynthesis, secondary metabolites, and other hormones were affected in shading groups compared to no-shade control plants.…”

Comparative Analysis of the Morphological, Physiological, Proteomic, and Metabolic Mechanisms of the “Biloxi” Blueberry Response to Shade Stress

“…Because photosynthesis is the main driving force of plant nutrient accumulation, plants produce organic matter through photosynthesis, and this matter is transported to different metabolic sinks and transformed into different metabolites ( Li et al, 2017 ). In the plant response to light intensity, the shading of plants appropriately can effectively prevent excessive energy formation in seedlings, effectively promote the growth and development of plants and maintain their morphology ( Wu et al, 2016 , 2020 ). However, long-term shading will also affect the growth and development of plants; thus, moderate shading is more conducive to plant regeneration, reproduction and progressive succession ( Feng and Van Kleunen, 2014 ).…”