Utilizing In Silico Approaches to Investigate the Signaling Pathway’s Crucial Function in Pennisetum glaucum Under Thermal Stress

Abstract

Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.)) is a remarkable cereal crop known for its ability to thrive in challenging environmental conditions. Despite its resilience, the intricate molecular mechanisms behind its toughness remain a mystery. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted advanced next-generation RNA sequencing. This approach allowed us to compare the gene expression profiles of pearl millet seedlings exposed to heat stress with those grown under standard conditions. Our main focus was on the shoots of 13-day-old pearl millet plants, which we subjected to a brief heat stress episode at 50°C for 60 seconds. Within the vast genomic landscape comprising 36 041 genes, we successfully identified a set of 10 genes that exhibited significant fold changes, ranging from 11 to 14-fold compared to the control conditions. These 10 genes were previously unknown to have such substantial changes in expression compared to the control. To uncover the functional significance hidden within these transcriptomic findings, we utilized computational tools such as MEME, String, and phylogenetic tree analysis. These efforts collectively revealed conserved domains within the transcriptomic landscape, hinting at potential functions associated with these genetic sequences. Of particular note, the distinct transcriptomic patterns specific to pearl millet leaves under thermal stress shed light on intricate connections to fundamental biological processes. These processes included the Ethylene-activated signaling pathway, Regulation of intracellular signal transduction, Negative regulation of signal transduction, Protein autophosphorylation, and Intracellular signal transduction. Together, these processes provide insight into the molecular strategies employed by pearl millet to overcome thermal stress challenges. By integrating cutting-edge RNA sequencing techniques and computational analyses, we have embarked on unraveling the genetic components and pathways that empower pearl millet’s resilience in the face of adversity. This newfound understanding has the potential to not only advance our knowledge of plant stress responses but also contribute to enhancing crop resilience in challenging environmental conditions.

Cryptic Resilience: Decoding Molecular Networks in Pearl Millet for Enhanced Heat Stress

“…Pearl millet exhibited an increase in this enzyme under heat stress, emphasizing its importance [60][61][62][63][64].…”

“…The accumulation of defense-related metabolites relies heavily on the interplay between transcription factors and stress-signaling pathways [62,63]. In a previous study, Dhawi [64] utilized enrichment analysis to unveil critical biological processes crucial for pearl millet's response to heat. Among 36,041 genes, 10 exhibited substantial fold changes previously unidentified in such reactions.…”

“…The intricate response of plants to heat stress is orchestrated by a complex network of transcription factors, playing a pivotal role in adapting to harsh environmental conditions. Among these regulators, the heat stress transcription factor (Hsf) family stands out for its diverse expression patterns and multifaceted functions, acting as a critical orchestrator in the heat stress response [64]. This family coordinates a transcriptional reaction, activating genes crucial for cellular protection and adaptation under elevated temperatures.…”

Abiotic stress tolerance in pearl millet: Unraveling molecular mechanisms via transcriptomics

“…Subsequently, seedlings were transplanted into a growth medium comprising equal parts vermiculite and soil after 48 h. Each pot, measuring 6 × 17 in, received 20 ml of distilled water for irrigation within a conservatory set at 25°C. In accordance with our prior research, 8,9 the experimental design included two abiotic treatment options (150 Mmol salt stress and 50°C thermal stress).…”

“…In Dhawi, 9 we investigated how pearl millet responds to salt stress, which is a critical concern in arid and semiarid regions. Fourteen-day-old seedlings were divided into control, 75 mM NaCl, and 150 mM NaCl groups and irrigated daily for 7 days.…”