School of Life Sciences, Ludong University, Yantai, Shandong, China.
Sci Rep. 2024 Aug 19;14(1):19194. doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-70320-x.
Rheum pumilum stands as both a quintessential alpine plant and a significant traditional Chinese and Tibetan medicinal herb. Unraveling the molecular intricacies of seed germination in Rh. pumilum not only unveils the genetic foundations of plant seed germination strategies in high-altitude environments but also offers insights for cultivating Rh. pumilum medicinal materials. Employing transcriptome sequencing and the Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis, this study delved into the shifts in gene expression levels across various stages of seed germination in Rh. pumilum. The process of seed germination in Rh. pumilum entails a cascade of complex physiological events. Six hormones (ABA, IAA, ETH, GA, BR, CK) emerged as pivotal players in seeds breaking in shells and the facilitation of rapid seed germination in Rh. pumilum. Fourteen transcription factor families (LOB, GRAS, B3, bHLH, bZIP, EIL, MYB, MYB related, NAC, TCP, WRKY, HSF, PLATZ, and SBP) along with four key genes (E2.4.1.13, EIN3, BZR, and BIN2) were identified that may be associated with both biotic and abiotic environmental stress. The ETR, ACACA and ATPeV0C genes were linked with energy accumulation during the initial stages of seed germination, CYP707A may play an important role in breaking seed dormancy, while the BRI1 gene may be correlated with swift seed germination. Additionally, several unidentified genes were recognized to play key roles in seed germination of Rh. pumilum, warranting further investigation. Moreover, Rh. pumilum demonstrates full activation of crucial physiological functions such as energy metabolism, signal transduction, and responses to biological and abiotic stresses during the seed breaking in shells. This study provides molecular evidence elucidating the swift seed germination strategies adopted by alpine plants to thrive in high-altitude environments. Furthermore, it serves as a foundational reference for enhancing seed germination rates and breeding practices to promote the sustainable development of Rh. pumilum medicinal materials.
珠芽蓼是一种典型的高山植物，也是一种重要的传统中药和藏药。解析珠芽蓼种子萌发的分子机制不仅揭示了高山环境中植物种子萌发策略的遗传基础，还为珠芽蓼药用材料的培育提供了参考。本研究采用转录组测序和加权基因共表达网络分析，深入研究了珠芽蓼种子萌发过程中不同阶段基因表达水平的变化。珠芽蓼种子的萌发过程涉及一系列复杂的生理事件。六种激素（ABA、IAA、ETH、GA、BR、CK）在珠芽蓼种子破壳和快速萌发过程中发挥关键作用。14 种转录因子家族（LOB、GRAS、B3、bHLH、bZIP、EIL、MYB、MYB 相关、NAC、TCP、WRKY、HSF、PLATZ 和 SBP）和四个关键基因（E2.4.1.13、EIN3、BZR 和 BIN2）可能与生物和非生物环境胁迫有关。ETR、ACACA 和 ATPeV0C 基因与种子萌发初期的能量积累有关，CYP707A 可能在打破种子休眠中发挥重要作用，BRI1 基因可能与快速种子萌发有关。此外，还鉴定出一些未知基因在珠芽蓼种子萌发中发挥关键作用，值得进一步研究。此外，珠芽蓼在破壳过程中表现出关键生理功能的充分激活，如能量代谢、信号转导以及对生物和非生物胁迫的响应。本研究为阐明高山植物在高海拔环境中快速萌发的策略提供了分子证据。此外，它为提高种子萌发率和培育实践提供了基础参考，以促进珠芽蓼药用材料的可持续发展。
