Transcriptomic and metabolomic unraveling of nitrogen use efficiency in sorghum: the quest for molecular adaptations to low-nitrogen stress

IF 4 3区生物学 Q1 PLANT SCIENCES

Plant Growth Regulation Pub Date : 2025-02-20 DOI:10.1007/s10725-025-01296-5

Wendong Gu, Yihao Feng, Chang Liu, Xiaolong Shi, Lei Han, Chunjuan Liu, Yufei Zhou

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引用次数: 3

Abstract

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench), renowned for its resilience in marginal environments, frequently encounters productivity limitations due to insufficient nitrogen (N) availability. This investigation employed transcriptomic and metabolomic approaches to elucidate the mechanisms underlying nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) in two sorghum genotypes, 398B and CS3541, exhibiting contrasting NUE responses to low-N stress. N deficiency significantly diminished plant height, root dry weight, and leaf dry weight in both genotypes, while markedly increasing root length. Notably, 398B demonstrated a pronounced increase in root length and exhibited higher nitrogen uptake efficiency (NUpE) and utilization efficiency (NUtE) compared to CS3541. Transcriptomic analyses revealed that starch and sucrose metabolism, as well as phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathways, were significantly enriched in both genotypes, indicative of enhanced carbon (C) and N metabolism. Notably, two low-affinity nitrate transporter genes (Sobic.001G302800.v3.2, NRT1/PTR6.3 and Sobic.004G193000.v3.2, NRT1/PTR6.4) were upregulated in 398B roots under N deficiency, suggesting a crucial role in facilitating N uptake. Metabolomic profiling of sorghum leaves under low-N conditions highlighted an accumulation of phenolic acids, flavonoids, flavanols, and saccharides in 398B, suggesting improved N utilization and assimilation. Overall, integrated transcriptome and metabolome analyses identified key genes and metabolites associated with NUE. Our findings provide novel insights into the genetic and molecular basis of NUE in sorghum, particularly emphasizing the role of root structural adaptations and the regulation of specific transporter genes in enhancing NUpE. Additionally, our study underscored the importance of metabolic adjustments in leaves for improving NUtE. These results contribute to the development of sorghum genotypes with enhanced NUE, offering the potential for sustainable agricultural practices in low-N environments.

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高粱氮素利用效率的转录组学和代谢组学研究：对低氮胁迫的分子适应探索

高粱（Sorghum bicolor L. Moench）以其在边缘环境中的抗逆性而闻名，但由于氮(N)可用性不足，经常遇到生产力限制。本研究采用转录组学和代谢组学方法，阐明了两种高粱基因型（398B和CS3541）氮素利用效率（NUE）对低氮胁迫的不同响应机制。缺氮显著降低了两个基因型的株高、根干重和叶干重，显著增加了根长。值得注意的是，与CS3541相比，398B的根长明显增加，氮素吸收效率（NUpE）和利用效率（NUtE）更高。转录组学分析显示，淀粉和蔗糖代谢以及苯丙素生物合成途径在两个基因型中都显著富集，表明碳(C)和氮代谢增强。值得注意的是，两个低亲和力的硝酸盐转运基因（Sobic.001G302800.v3.2, NRT1/PTR6.3和Sobic.004G193000.v3.2, NRT1/PTR6.4）在缺氮条件下在398B根中表达上调，表明其在促进氮吸收中起关键作用。低氮条件下高粱叶片代谢组学分析显示，398B中酚酸、黄酮类、黄烷醇和糖类的积累，表明叶片对氮的利用和同化有所改善。总的来说，综合转录组和代谢组分析确定了与NUE相关的关键基因和代谢物。我们的研究结果为高粱NUpE的遗传和分子基础提供了新的见解，特别强调了根结构适应和特定转运基因的调控在提高NUpE中的作用。此外，我们的研究强调了叶片代谢调节对改善NUtE的重要性。这些结果有助于开发具有更高氮肥利用效率的高粱基因型，为低氮环境下的可持续农业实践提供了潜力。

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来源期刊

Plant Growth Regulation 生物-植物科学

CiteScore

6.90

自引率

9.50%

发文量

139

审稿时长

4.5 months

期刊介绍： Plant Growth Regulation is an international journal publishing original articles on all aspects of plant growth and development. We welcome manuscripts reporting question-based research using hormonal, physiological, environmental, genetical, biophysical, developmental or molecular approaches to the study of plant growth regulation. Emphasis is placed on papers presenting the results of original research. Occasional reviews on important topics will also be welcome. All contributions must be in English.