Genome-wide identification and characterization of long non-coding RNAs involved in the early somatic embryogenesis in Dimocarpus longan Lour

The Construction of lncRNA/circRNA-miRNA-mRNA Networks Reveals Functional Genes Related to Growth Traits in Schima superba

Schima superba is a precious timber and fire-resistant tree species widely distributed in southern China. Currently, there is little knowledge related to its growth traits, especially with respect to molecular breeding. The lack of relevant information has delayed the development of modern breeding. The purpose is to identify probable functional genes involved in S. superba growth through whole transcriptome sequencing. In this study, a total of 32,711 mRNAs, 525 miRNAs, 54,312 lncRNAs, and 1522 circRNAs were identified from 10 S. superba individuals containing different volumes of wood. Four possible regulators, comprising three lncRNAs, one circRNA, and eleven key miRNAs, were identified from the regulatory networks of lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA and circRNA-miRNA-mRNA to supply information on ncRNAs. Several candidate genes involved in phenylpropane and cellulose biosynthesis pathways, including Ss4CL2, SsCSL1, and SsCSL2, and transcription factors, including SsDELLA2 (SsSLR), SsDELLA3 (SsSLN), SsDELLA5 (SsGAI-like2), and SsNAM1, were identified to reveal the molecular regulatory mechanisms regulating the growth traits of S. superba. The results not merely provide candidate functional genes related to S. superba growth trait and will be useful to carry out molecular breeding, but the strategy and method also provide scientists with an effective approach to revealing mechanisms behind important economic traits in other species.

Long Non-Coding RNAs: Discoveries, Mechanisms, and Research Strategies in Seeds

Seeds provide nutrients for the embryo and allow for dormancy in stressed environments to better adapt the plant to its environment. In addition, seeds are an essential source of food for human survival and are the basis for the formation of food production and quality. Therefore, the research on the genetic mechanism of seed development and germination will provide a theoretical basis and technical support for the improvement of crop yield and quality. Recent studies have shown that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) occupy a pivotal position in seed development and germination. In this review, we describe the key processes in seed biology and examine discoveries and insights made in seed lncRNA, with emphasis on lncRNAs that regulate seed biology through multiple mechanisms. Given that thousands of lncRNAs are present in the seed transcriptome, characterization has lagged far behind identification. We provide an overview of research strategies and approaches including some exciting new techniques that may uncover the function of lncRNAs in seed. Finally, we discuss the challenges facing the field and the opening questions. All in all, we hope to provide a clear perspective on discoveries of seed lncRNA by linking discoveries, mechanisms, and technologies.

Genome-wide analysis of the SAUR gene family and function exploration of DlSAUR32 during early longan somatic embryogenesis

The early auxin responsive small auxin up-regulated RNA (SAUR) family is an important gene family in the auxin signal transduction pathway. This study focused on the regulatory mechanism of DlSAUR genes during early somatic embryogenesis (SE) and its response to hormone treatment and abiotic stress. Mining of the available Dimocarpus longan Lour. (D. longan) genome sequence yielded 68 putative SAUR genes. Transcript profiles based on RNA-seq data showed that most of the 24 detected DlSAUR genes were highly expressed in the globular embryos (GE) (10) and most of them responded to heat stress and 2,4-D treatment. The results of qRT-PCR showed that most of DlSAUR genes were up-regulated under auxin inhibitor N-1-naphthylphthalamic acid (NPA) and auxin indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) treatments. Moreover, NPA could promote longan SE. The assay for ATAC-seq data analysis showed that chromatin accessibility of 19 of the 24 DlSAUR genes were open during early SE, and most DlSAUR genes differentially expressed during early SE were not associated with H3K4me1 signal enrichment. The DlSAUR32 was selected for subcellular localization and RNA-seq analysis, which encode a cell nuclear-localized protein. Dual-luciferase assays and transient transformation showed that the transcription factors (TFs) DlWRKY75-1 and DlWRKY75-2 might bind to the DlSAUR32 promoters to inhibition gene transcription. Transient overexpression of DlWRKY75-1 and DlWRKY75-2 decreased IAA content in N. benthamiana leaves. Thus, the regulatory network composed of DlSAUR32 and its related TFs may regulate the early longan SE and be involved in the auxin response regulatory pathway of longan.

Identification of birch lncRNAs and mRNAs responding to salt stress and characterization of functions of lncRNA

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are important in abiotic stress tolerance. Here, we identified salt-responsive genes and lncRNAs in the roots and leaves of Betula platyphylla Suk. (birch), and characterized their lncRNAs functions. In total, 2660 mRNAs and 539 lncRNAs responding to salt treatment were identified using RNA-seq. The salt-responsive genes were substantially enriched in 'cell wall biogenesis' and 'wood development' in the roots and were enriched in 'photosynthesis' and 'response to stimulus' in the leaves. Meanwhile, the potential target genes of the salt-responsive lncRNAs in roots and leaves were both enriched in 'nitrogen compound metabolic process' and 'response to stimulus'. We further built a method for quickly identifying abiotic stress tolerance of lncRNAs, which employed transient transformation for overexpression and knock-down of the lncRNA, enabling gain- and loss-of-function analysis. Using this method, 11 randomly selected salt-responsive lncRNAs were characterized. Among them, six lncRNAs confer salt tolerance, two lncRNAs confer salt sensitivity, and the other three lncRNAs are not involved in salt tolerance. In addition, a lncRNA, LncY1, was further characterized, which improves salt tolerance by regulating two transcription factors, BpMYB96 and BpCDF3. Taken together, our results suggested that lncRNAs play important roles in the salt response of birch plants.

Regulatory non-coding RNAs: Emerging roles during plant cell reprogramming and in vitro regeneration

Plant regeneration is a well-known capacity of plants occurring either in vivo or in vitro. This potential is the basis for plant micropropagation and genetic transformation as well as a useful system to analyse different aspects of plant development. Recent studies have proven that RNA species with no protein-coding capacity are key regulators of cellular function and essential for cell reprogramming. In this review, the current knowledge on the role of several ncRNAs in plant regeneration processes is summarized, with a focus on cell fate reprogramming. Moreover, the involvement/impact of microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and small-interfering RNAs (siRNAs) in the regulatory networks of cell dedifferentiation, proliferation and differentiation is also analysed. A deeper understanding of plant ncRNAs in somatic cell reprogramming will allow a better modulation of in vitro regeneration processes such as organogenesis and somatic embryogenesis.

Genome-wide circular RNA profiling and competing endogenous RNA regulatory network analysis provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying early somatic embryogenesis in Dimocarpus longan Lour

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are widely involved in plant growth and development. However, the function of circRNAs in plant somatic embryogenesis (SE) remains elusive. Here, by using high-throughput sequencing, a total of 5029 circRNAs were identified in the three stages of longan (Dimocarpus longan Lour.) early SE. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis revealed that differentially expressed (DE) circRNA host genes were enriched in the 'non-homologous end-joining' (NHEJ) and 'butanoate metabolism' pathways. In addition, the reactive oxygen species (ROS) content during longan early SE was determined. The results indicated that ROS-induced DNA double-strand breaks may not depend on the NHEJ repair pathway. Correlation analyses of the levels of related metabolites (glutamate, γ-aminobutyrate and pyruvate) and the expression levels of circRNAs and their host genes involved in butanoate metabolism were performed. The results suggested that circRNAs may act as regulators of the expression of cognate mRNAs, thereby affecting the accumulation of related compounds. A competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network of DE circRNAs, DE mRNAs, DE long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and DE microRNAs (miRNAs) was constructed. The results showed that the putative targets of the noncoding RNA (ncRNAs) were significantly enriched in the KEGG pathways 'mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling' and 'nitrogen metabolism'. Furthermore, the expression patterns of the candidate circRNAs, lncRNAs, miRNAs and mRNAs confirmed the negative correlation between miRNAs and ceRNAs. In addition, two circRNA overexpression vectors were constructed to further verify the ceRNA network correlations in longan early SE. Our study revealed the potential role of circRNAs in longan early SE, providing new insights into the intricate regulatory mechanism underlying plant SE.

Genome-wide identification of lncRNAs, miRNAs, mRNAs and their regulatory networks involved in tapping panel dryness in rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis)

Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) play pivotal roles in various biological processes in plants. However, the role of ncRNAs in tapping panel dryness (TPD) of rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis Muell. Arg.) is largely unknown. Here, the whole transcriptome analyses of bark tissues from healthy and TPD trees were performed to identify differentially expressed long ncRNAs (DELs), microRNAs/miRNAs (DEMs), genes (DEGs) and their regulatory networks involved in TPD. A total of 263 DELs, 174 DEMs and 1574 DEGs were identified in the bark of TPD tree compared with that of healthy tree. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis revealed that most of the DEGs and targets of DELs and DEMs were mainly enriched in metabolic pathways, biosynthesis of secondary metabolites and plant hormone signal transduction. Additionally, the majority of DEGs and DELs related to rubber biosynthesis were downregulated in TPD trees. Furthermore, 98 DEGs and 44 DELs were targeted by 54 DEMs, 190 DEGs were identified as putative targets of 56 DELs, and 2 and 44 DELs were predicted as precursors and endogenous target mimics of 2 and 6 DEMs, respectively. Based on these, the DEL-DEM-DEG regulatory network involved in TPD was constructed, and 13 hub DELs, 3 hub DEMs and 2 hub DEGs were identified. The results provide novel insights into the regulatory roles of ncRNAs underlying TPD and lay a foundation for future functional characterization of long ncRNAs, miRNAs and genes involved in TPD in rubber tree.

miR172 Regulates WUS during Somatic Embryogenesis in Arabidopsis via AP2

In plants, the embryogenic transition of somatic cells requires the reprogramming of the cell transcriptome, which is under the control of genetic and epigenetic factors. Correspondingly, the extensive modulation of genes encoding transcription factors and miRNAs has been indicated as controlling the induction of somatic embryogenesis in Arabidopsis and other plants. Among the MIRNAs that have a differential expression during somatic embryogenesis, members of the MIRNA172 gene family have been identified, which implies a role of miR172 in controlling the embryogenic transition in Arabidopsis. In the present study, we found a disturbed expression of both MIRNA172 and candidate miR172-target genes, including AP2, TOE1, TOE2, TOE3, SMZ and SNZ, that negatively affected the embryogenic response of transgenic explants. Next, we examined the role of AP2 in the miR172-mediated mechanism that controls the embryogenic response. We found some evidence that by controlling AP2, miR172 might repress the WUS that has an important function in embryogenic induction. We showed that the mechanism of the miR172-AP2-controlled repression of WUS involves histone acetylation. We observed the upregulation of the WUS transcripts in an embryogenic culture that was overexpressing AP2 and treated with trichostatin A (TSA), which is an inhibitor of HDAC histone deacetylases. The increased expression of the WUS gene in the embryogenic culture of the hdac mutants further confirmed the role of histone acetylation in WUS control during somatic embryogenesis. A chromatin-immunoprecipitation analysis provided evidence about the contribution of HDA6/19-mediated histone deacetylation to AP2-controlled WUS repression during embryogenic induction. The upstream regulatory elements of the miR172-AP2-WUS pathway might involve the miR156-controlled SPL9/SPL10, which control the level of mature miR172 in an embryogenic culture.

Cryo-Treatment Enhances the Embryogenicity of Mature Somatic Embryos via the lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA Network in White Spruce

In conifers, somatic embryogenesis is uniquely initiated from immature embryos in a narrow time window, which is considerably hindered by the difficulty to induce embryogenic tissue (ET) from other tissues, including mature somatic embryos. In this study, the embryogenic ability of newly induced ET and DNA methylation levels was detected, and whole-transcriptome sequencing analyses were carried out. The results showed that ultra-low temperature treatment significantly enhanced ET induction from mature somatic embryos, with the induction rate from 0.4% to 15.5%, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. The newly induced ET showed higher capability in generating mature embryos than the original ET. DNA methylation levels fluctuated during the ET induction process. Here, WGCNA analysis revealed that OPT4, TIP1-1, Chi I, GASA5, GST, LAX3, WRKY7, MYBS3, LRR-RLK, PBL7, and WIN1 genes are involved in stress response and auxin signal transduction. Through co-expression analysis, lncRNAs MSTRG.505746.1, MSTRG.1070680.1, and MSTRG.33602.1 might bind to pre-novel_miR_339 to promote the expression of WRKY7 genes for stress response; LAX3 could be protected by lncRNAs MSTRG.1070680.1 and MSTRG.33602.1 via serving as sponges for novel_miR_495 to initiate auxin signal transduction; lncRNAs MSTRG.505746.1, MSTRG.1070680.1, and MSTRG.33602.1 might serve as sponges for novel_miR_527 to enhance the expression of Chi I for early somatic embryo development. This study provides new insight into the area of stress-enhanced early somatic embryogenesis in conifers, which is also attributable to practical applications.

Non-Coding RNAs in Response to Drought Stress

Drought stress causes changes in the morphological, physiological, biochemical and molecular characteristics of plants. The response to drought in different plants may vary from avoidance, tolerance and escape to recovery from stress. This response is genetically programmed and regulated in a very complex yet synchronized manner. The crucial genetic regulations mediated by non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have emerged as game-changers in modulating the plant responses to drought and other abiotic stresses. The ncRNAs interact with their targets to form potentially subtle regulatory networks that control multiple genes to determine the overall response of plants. Many long and small drought-responsive ncRNAs have been identified and characterized in different plant varieties. The miRNA-based research is better documented, while lncRNA and transposon-derived RNAs are relatively new, and their cellular role is beginning to be understood. In this review, we have compiled the information on the categorization of non-coding RNAs based on their biogenesis and function. We also discuss the available literature on the role of long and small non-coding RNAs in mitigating drought stress in plants.

Downregulation of lncRNA PpL-T31511 and Pp-miRn182 Promotes Hydrogen Cyanamide-Induced Endodormancy Release through the PP2C-H2O2 Pathway in Pear (Pyrus pyrifolia)

Bud endodormancy is an important, complex process subject to both genetic and epigenetic control, the mechanism of which is still unclear. The endogenous hormone abscisic acid (ABA) and its signaling pathway play important roles in the endodormancy process, in which the type 2C protein phosphatases (PP2Cs) is key to the ABA signal pathway. Due to its excellent effect on endodormancy release, hydrogen cyanamide (HC) treatment is considered an effective measure to study the mechanism of endodormancy release. In this study, RNA-Seq analysis was conducted on endodormant floral buds of pear (Pyrus pyrifolia) with HC treatment, and the HC-induced PP2C gene PpPP2C1 was identified. Next, software prediction, expression tests and transient assays revealed that lncRNA PpL-T31511-derived Pp-miRn182 targets PpPP2C1. The expression analysis showed that HC treatment upregulated the expression of PpPP2C1 and downregulated the expression of PpL-T31511 and Pp-miRn182. Moreover, HC treatment inhibited the accumulation of ABA signaling pathway-related genes and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). Furthermore, overexpression of Pp-miRn182 reduced the inhibitory effect of PpPP2C1 on the H₂O₂ content. In summary, our study suggests that downregulation of PpL-T31511-derived Pp-miRn182 promotes HC-induced endodormancy release in pear plants through the PP2C-H₂O₂ pathway.

Identification and characterization of early Fusarium wilt responsive mRNAs and long non-coding RNAs in banana root using high-throughput sequencing

Fusarium wilt disease, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense (Foc), has been recognized as the most devastating disease to banana. The regulatory role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in plant defense has been verified in many plant species. However, the understanding of their role during early FocTR4 (Foc tropical race 4) infection stage is very limited. In this study, lncRNA sequencing was used to reveal banana root transcriptome profile changes during early FocTR4 infection stages. Quantitative real time PCR (qRT-PCR) was performed to confirm the expression of eight differentially expressed (DE) lncRNAs (DELs) and their predicted target genes (DETs), and three DE genes (DEGs). Totally, 12,109 lncRNAs, 36,519 mRNAs and 2642 novel genes were obtained, of which 1398 (including 78 DELs, 1220 DE known genes and 100 DE novel genes) were identified as FocTR4 responsive DE transcripts. Gene function analysis revealed that most DEGs were involved in biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, plant–pathogen interaction, plant hormone signal transduction, phenylalanine metabolism, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, alpha-linolenic acid metabolism and so on. Coincidently, many DETs have been identified as DEGs in previous transcriptome studies. Moreover, many DETs were found to be involved in ribosome, oxidative phosphorylation, lipoic acid metabolism, ubiquitin mediated proteolysis, N-glycan biosynthesis, protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum and DNA damage response pathways. QRT-PCR result showed the expression patterns of the selected transcripts were mostly consistent with our lncRNA sequencing data. Our present study showed the regulatory role of lncRNAs on known biotic and abiotic stress responsive genes and some new-found FocTR4 responsive genes, which can provide new insights into FocTR4-induced changes in the banana root transcriptome during the early pathogen infection stage.

Genome-wide analysis of long noncoding RNAs affecting floral bud dormancy in pears in response to cold stress

The versatile role of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in plant growth and development has been established, but a systematic identification and analysis of lncRNAs in the pear has not been reported. Bud dormancy is a crucial and complicated protective mechanism for plants in winter. The roles of lncRNAs in the dormancy process remain largely unclear. In this study, we induced pear floral buds to enter into different dormant statuses by simulating four different chilling accumulation conditions. Then, a time series of RNA-seq analysis was performed and we identified 7594 lncRNAs in Pyrus pyrifolia (Burm. F.) Nakai that have not been identified. The sequence and expression of the lncRNAs were confirmed by PCR analysis. In total, 6253 lncRNAs were predicted to target protein-coding genes including 692 cis-regulated pairs (596 lncRNAs) and 13,158 trans-regulated pairs (6181 lncRNAs). Gene Ontology analysis revealed that most of lncRNAs' target genes were involved in catalytic activity, metabolic processes and cellular processes. In the trend analysis, 124 long-term cold response lncRNAs and 80 short-term cold response lncRNAs were predicted. Regarding the lncRNA-miRNA regulatory networks, 59 lncRNAs were identified as potential precursors for miRNA members of 20 families, 586 lncRNAs were targets of 261 pear miRNAs and 53 lncRNAs were endogenous target mimics for 26 miRNAs. In addition, three cold response lncRNAs, two miRNAs and their target genes were selected for expression confirmed. The trend of their expression was consistent with the predicted relationships among them and suggested possible roles of lncRNAs in ABA metabolic pathway. Our findings not only suggest the potential roles of lncRNAs in regulating the dormancy of pear floral buds but also provide new insights into the lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network in plants.

Interplay between miRNAs and lncRNAs: Mode of action and biological roles in plant development and stress adaptation

Plants employ sophisticated mechanisms to control developmental processes and to cope with environmental changes at transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), two classes of endogenous noncoding RNAs, are key regulators of gene expression in plants. Recent studies have identified the interplay between miRNAs and lncRNAs as a novel regulatory layer of gene expression in plants. On one hand, miRNAs target lncRNAs for the production of phased small interfering RNAs (phasiRNAs). On the other hand, lncRNAs serve as origin of miRNAs or regulate the accumulation or activity of miRNAs at transcription and post-transcriptional levels. Theses lncRNA-miRNA interplays are crucial for plant development, physiology and responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. In this review, we summarize recent advances in the biological roles, interaction mechanisms and computational predication methods of the interplay between miRNAs and lncRNAs in plants.

Small Non-Coding RNAs at the Crossroads of Regulatory Pathways Controlling Somatic Embryogenesis in Seed Plants

Small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs) are molecules with important regulatory functions during development and environmental responses across all groups of terrestrial plants. In seed plants, the development of a mature embryo from the zygote follows a synchronized cell division sequence, and growth and differentiation events regulated by highly regulated gene expression. However, given the distinct features of the initial stages of embryogenesis in gymnosperms and angiosperms, it is relevant to investigate to what extent such differences emerge from differential regulation mediated by sncRNAs. Within these, the microRNAs (miRNAs) are the best characterized class, and while many miRNAs are conserved and significantly represented across angiosperms and other seed plants during embryogenesis, some miRNA families are specific to some plant lineages. Being a model to study zygotic embryogenesis and a relevant biotechnological tool, we systematized the current knowledge on the presence and characterization of miRNAs in somatic embryogenesis (SE) of seed plants, pinpointing the miRNAs that have been reported to be associated with SE in angiosperm and gymnosperm species. We start by conducting an overview of sncRNA expression profiles in the embryonic tissues of seed plants. We then highlight the miRNAs described as being involved in the different stages of the SE process, from its induction to the full maturation of the somatic embryos, adding references to zygotic embryogenesis when relevant, as a contribution towards a better understanding of miRNA-mediated regulation of SE.

Selection of reference genes for gene expression analysis in Liriodendron hybrids' somatic embryogenesis and germinative tissues

The differential expression of genes is crucial for plant somatic embryogenesis (SE), and the accurate quantification of gene expression levels relies on choosing appropriate reference genes. To select the most suitable reference genes for SE studies, 10 commonly used reference genes were examined in synchronized somatic embryogenic and subsequent germinative cultures of Liriodendron hybrids by using quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR. Four popular normalization algorithms: geNorm, NormFinder, Bestkeeper and Delta-Ct were used to select and validate the suitable reference genes. The results showed that elongation factor 1-gamma, histone H1 linker protein, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase and α-tubulin were suitable for SE tissues, while elongation factor 1-gamma and actin were best for the germinative organ tissues. Our work will benefit future studies of gene expression and functional analyses of SE in Liriodendron hybrids. It is also serves as a guide of reference gene selection in early embryonic gene expression analyses for other woody plant species.

Genome-wide identification and characterization of DEAD-box helicase family associated with early somatic embryogenesis in Dimocarpus longan Lour

DEAD-box (DDX) proteins belong to the largest subfamily of RNA helicase SF2, which contributes to all biological processes of RNA metabolism in the plant kingdom. Till now, no significant data are available regarding studies on DDX in Somatic Embryogenesis (SE) of woody plants. It is important to investigate the biological function of the DlDDX family in longan SE. Thus, a comprehensive analysis of 58 longan DEAD-box (DlDDX) genes characterization was performed by genome-wide identification and transcript abundance validation analysis. Homologous evolution has revealed that some DlDDXs in longan had high sequence similarity with Mus musculus, Citrus and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, indicating that DlDDXs were highly conservative in the animal, plant, and microorganism. Remarkably, gene duplication, purifying selection, and alternative splicing events, and new auxiliary domains have likely contributed to the functional evolution of DlDDX, indicating that DlDDX appeared neofunctionalization in longan. Besides, DlDDX3, 15, 28, 36 might interact with protein complex (MAC3A, MAC3B, CDC5, CBP20) of miRNA biosynthesis. Notably, DlDDX28 contained a novel auxiliary domain (CAF-1 p150), which might contribute to DNA demethylation in longan early SE. 4 DlDDX genes significantly expressed not only in early SE and zygotic embryogenesis (ZE) but also up-regulated at high levels in 'Honghezi' and 'Quanlongbaihe' with abortive seeds, which are of great significance. Moreover, some DlDDXs presented abiotic stress-response dynamic expression patterns by ABA, SA, JA, and NaCl treatments during early SE. Hence, DEAD-box is essential to SE development and seed abortive in longan.

RNA sequencing-based exploration of the effects of far-red light on lncRNAs involved in the shade-avoidance response of D. officinale

Dendrobium officinale (D. officinale) is a valuable medicinal plant with a low natural survival rate, and its shade-avoidance response to far-red light is as an important strategy used by the plant to improve its production efficiency. However, the lncRNAs that play roles in the shade-avoidance response of D. officinale have not yet been investigated. This study found that an appropriate proportion of far-red light can have several effects, including increasing the leaf area and accelerating stem elongation, in D. officinale. The effects of different far-red light treatments on D. officinale were analysed by RNA sequencing technology, and a total of 69 and 78 lncRNAs were differentially expressed in experimental group 1 (FR1) versus the control group (CK) (FR1-CK) and in experimental group 4 (FR4) versus the CK (FR4-CK), respectively. According to GO and KEGG analyses, most of the differentially expressed lncRNA targets are involved in the membrane, some metabolic pathways, hormone signal transduction, and O-methyltransferase activity, among other functions. Physiological and biochemical analyses showed that far-red light promoted the accumulation of flavonoids, alkaloids, carotenoids and polysaccharides in D. officinale. The effect of far-red light on D. officinalemight be closely related to the cell membrane and Ca2+ transduction. Based on a Cytoscape analysis and previous research, this study also found that MSTRG.38867.1, MSTRG.69319.1, and MSTRG.66273.1, among other components, might participate in the far-red light signalling network through their targets and thus regulate the shade-avoidance response of D. officinale. These findings will provide new insights into the shade-avoidance response of D. officinale.

From Trash to Luxury: The Potential Role of Plant LncRNA in DNA Methylation During Abiotic Stress

Remarkable progress has been made in elucidating important roles of plant non-coding RNAs. Among these RNAs, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have gained widespread attention, especially their role in plant environmental stress responses. LncRNAs act at different levels of gene expression regulation, and one of these mechanisms is by recruitment of DNA methyltransferases or demethylases to regulate the target gene transcription. In this mini-review, we highlight the function of lncRNAs, including their potential role in RNA-directed DNA Methylation (RdDM) silencing pathway and their potential function under abiotic stresses conditions. Moreover, we also present and discuss studies of lncRNAs in crops. Finally, we propose a path outlook for future research that may be important for plant breeding.

Genome-wide investigation of DNA methylation dynamics reveals a critical role of DNA demethylation during the early somatic embryogenesis of Dimocarpus longan Lour

DNA methylation plays essential roles in gene regulation, chromatin structure stability, gene imprinting, X chromosome inactivation and embryonic development. However, the dynamics and functions of DNA methylation during the early stage of longan (Dimocarpus longan) somatic embryogenesis (SE) are still unclear. In this study, we carried out whole genome bisulphite sequencing and transcriptome sequencing analyses for embryogenic callus (EC), incomplete compact pro-embryogenic cultures (ICpEC) and globular embryos (GE) in an early SE system. At a global level, the DNA 5-methylcytosine content in EC, ICpEC and GE was 24.59, 19.65 and 19.74%, respectively, suggesting a global decrease in DNA methylation from EC to ICpEC and then a slight increase from ICpEC to GE. Differentially methylated region (DMR) analysis showed that hypomethylation mainly occurred in CHH contexts. Gene ontology and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes analysis of hypomethylated-CHH-DMR-associated genes revealed that zein biosynthesis, fatty acid biosynthesis, circadian rhythm and mitophagy pathways were involved in longan early SE. Expression patterns of DNA methyltransferase and demethylase genes during longan early SE suggested that the decrease in DNA methylation was probably regulated by DNA methyltransferase genes and the DNA demethylase gene REPRESSOR OF SILENCING 1 (ROS1). The correlation between DNA hypomethylation and gene expression revealed that decreased DNA methylation did not cause extensive changes in gene expression during early longan SE and that gene expression may be affected by methylation changes in gene and downstream regions. Inhibiting DNA methylation with 5-azacytidine treatment in EC promoted the formation of GE and enhanced the capability of longan SE. Our results suggest that DNA demethylation has important roles in longan SE development.

Transcriptome and Phytochemical Analyses Provide New Insights Into Long Non-Coding RNAs Modulating Characteristic Secondary Metabolites of Oolong Tea (Camellia sinensis) in Solar-Withering

Oolong tea is a popular and semi-fermented beverage. During the processing of tea leaves, withering is the first indispensable process for improving flavor. However, the roles of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and the characteristic secondary metabolites during the withering of oolong tea leaves remain unknown. In this study, phytochemical analyses indicated that total polyphenols, flavonoids, catechins, epigallocatechin (EGC), catechin gallate (CG), gallocatechin gallate (GCG), epicatechin gallate (ECG), and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) were all less abundant in the solar-withered leaves (SW) than in the fresh leaves (FL) and indoor-withered leaves (IW). In contrast, terpenoid, jasmonic acid (JA), and methyl jasmonate (MeJA) contents were higher in the SW than in the FL and IW. By analyzing the transcriptome data, we detected 32,036 lncRNAs. On the basis of the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis, the flavonoid metabolic pathway, the terpenoid metabolic pathway, and the JA/MeJA biosynthesis and signal transduction pathway were enriched pathways. Additionally, 63 differentially expressed lncRNAs (DE-lncRNAs) and 23 target genes were identified related to the three pathways. A comparison of the expression profiles of the DE-lncRNAs and their target genes between the SW and IW revealed four up-regulated genes (FLS, CCR, CAD, and HCT), seven up-regulated lncRNAs, four down-regulated genes (4CL, CHI, F3H, and F3'H), and three down-regulated lncRNAs related to flavonoid metabolism; nine up-regulated genes (DXS, CMK, HDS, HDR, AACT, MVK, PMK, GGPPS, and TPS), three up-regulated lncRNAs, and six down-regulated lncRNAs related to terpenoid metabolism; as well as six up-regulated genes (LOX, AOS, AOC, OPR, ACX, and MFP2), four up-regulated lncRNAs, and three down-regulated lncRNAs related to JA/MeJA biosynthesis and signal transduction. These results suggested that the expression of DE-lncRNAs and their targets involved in the three pathways may be related to the low abundance of the total polyphenols, flavonoids, and catechins (EGC, CG, GCG, ECG, and EGCG) and the high abundance of terpenoids in the SW. Moreover, solar irradiation, high JA and MeJA contents, and the endogenous target mimic (eTM)-related regulatory mechanism in the SW were also crucial for increasing the terpenoid levels. These findings provide new insights into the greater contribution of solar-withering to the high-quality flavor of oolong tea compared with the effects of indoor-withering.