Identification and functional analysis of differentially expressed genes in roots of drought-stressed Yerba Mate plants.

AVICO E,; ACEVEDO R. M.; DUARTE M.J.; RUIZ O. A.; SANSBERRO P

CORRIENTES

Congreso; XII ARGENTINE CONGRESS OF BIOINFORMATICS AND COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGY; 2022

SOCIEDAD ARGENTINA DE BIOINFORMÁTICA Y BIOLOGIA COMPUTACIONAL

The appearance of water stress episodes triggers leaf abscission and decrease Ilex paraguariensis yield. To explore the mechanisms that allow it to overcome dehydration, we investigated how gene expression variation between water-stressed and non-stressed plants and in what way the modulation of gene expression was linked to physiological status and metabolite composition.A total of 5160 differentially expressed transcripts was obtained through RNA-Seq after water deprivation. The functional enrichment of induced transcripts revealed a significant transcriptional remodelling of perception, signalling, transcription and metabolism related to stress. Simultaneously, the induction of the enzyme 9-cis-expoxycarotenoid dioxygenase (NCED) transcripts reflects the central role of the hormone abscisic acid in this response. Consequently, the total content of amino acids and soluble sugars increased, and that of starch decreased. Likewise, to preserve cell membranes and water uptake, osmotic adjustment and radical growth were significantly promoted.These results provide a comprehensive overview of how I. paraguariensis roots respond to dehydration. It has potential use in the genetic improvement of the species by transferring desirable traits to more sensitive genotypes to obtain more efficient crops in water use.