Transcriptome profiles reveal that gibberellin-related genes regulate weeping traits in crape myrtle

Abstract

Plant architecture includes vital traits that influence and benefit crops, and economically important trees. Different plant architectures provide natural beauty. Weeping ornamental plants are aesthetically appealing to people. The regulatory mechanism controlling the weeping trait is poorly understood in crape myrtle. To investigate the weeping trait mechanism, transcriptional profiling of different organs in weeping and upright crape myrtle was performed based on phenotype. Phenotypic and histological analyses demonstrated that endodermal cells were absent, and that new shoot phenotypes could be rescued by the GA3 treatment of weeping plants. The transcriptional analysis and coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) of differentially expressed genes indicated that GA synthesis and signal transduction pathways play a role in weeping traits. When the expression level of a negative element of GA signaling, LfiGRAS1, was reduced by virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS), new branches grew in infected plants in a negatively geotropic manner. An integrated analysis implied that GA had a strong influence on weeping crape myrtle by interacting with other factors. This study helps to elucidate the mechanism governing the weeping trait and can improve the efficiency of breeding in Lagerstroemia.

Screening of key genes responsible for Pennisetum setaceum ‘Rubrum’ leaf color using transcriptome sequencing

“…It has been widely used in studies using A . thaliana , maize, and rice, as well as ornamental plants such as Lagerstroemia [ 34 ] and Lilium ‘Tiny Padhye’ [ 35 ].…”

“…used in studies using A. thaliana, maize, and rice, as well as ornamental plants such as Lagerstroemia [34] and Lilium 'Tiny Padhye' [35]. The KEGG database is used to analyze the metabolic pathways and functions of gene products to elucidate the complex biological behaviors of genes.…”

The CsLAZY1 Mediates Shoot Gravitropism and Branch Angle in Tea Plant (Camellia Sinensis)

“…Plant architectures are signi cantly associated with plant hormones, including gibberellic acid (GA), auxin, and strigolactones (SLs). GA has been thought to promote upward growth and inhibit bending, and it was highly likely to be responsible for the weeping trait [5,6]. Previous researches also suggested that genes associated with auxin and ethylene probably play crucial roles in shoot elongation [7,8].…”

“…Many environmental signals, including light and gravity, can in uence plant architecture [5,10]. The branch angle is an important factor in determining plant structure and is regulated by speci c genes.…”

Baby don't cry, genetic regulation of the weeping phenotype in Prunus mume

“…In peach ( Prunus persica ) an allele was found, appropriately called WEEP, that at least partially is responsible for the trait (Hollender et al 2018). In a totally different species, crape myrtle ( Lagerstroemia ), it was shown that genes involved in the biosynthesis and signaling of the plant hormone gibberellic acid (GA) play a major role in regulating the weeping phenotype (Li et al 2020). GA has been hypothesized to play a role in the weeping phenotype in several species through its involvement in wood formation (reviewed by Hollender and Dardick 2015).…”