Dynamic transcriptomic profiling of Salix triandra under freezing stress identifies StWRKY31 as a positive regulator of cold tolerance

IF 6.2 2区生物学 Q1 PLANT SCIENCES

Plant Physiology and Biochemistry Pub Date : 2026-10-01 Epub Date: 2026-10-13 DOI:10.1016/j.plaphy.2026.111846

Chang Jia, Yingnan Chen, Tongming Yin

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Abstract

Salix triandra is a fast-growing shrub willow native to temperate and cold regions, possessing remarkable freezing tolerance. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this natural cold hardiness remain largely unexplored. In this study, we performed a time-course transcriptomic analysis of S. triandra seedlings subjected to freezing stress at −4 °C. A total of 11,287 differentially expressed genes were identified and clustered into six distinct co-expression modules with dynamic temporal patterns, revealing a multi-phasic transcriptional response involving early stress perception, metabolic adjustment, and sustained cellular protection. Among the differentially expressed transcription factors, a WRKY family member designated StWRKY31 (EVM0008367) was identified as a cold-induced candidate gene, belonging to a mid-to-late adaptation module peaking at 24 h. Subcellular localization analysis showed that StWRKY31 localizes to the nucleus. Heterologous overexpression of StWRKY31 in Arabidopsis significantly enhanced freezing tolerance, as evidenced by improved survival rates under both non-acclimated and cold-acclimated freezing assays. In the StWRKY31-overexpressing Arabidopsis lines, reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation was reduced, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) activities were increased, proline content was elevated, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were decreased. Moreover, StWRKY31 upregulated the expression of cold-responsive marker genes (AtGSTF8, AtZAT10, and AtHY5) in a time-dependent manner, with elevated basal expression prior to cold exposure, suggesting a potential defense priming state. These findings suggest that StWRKY31 functions as a positive regulator of freezing tolerance. This study contributes to understanding the regulatory dynamics of cold adaptation in woody plants and provides a valuable candidate gene for breeding cold-tolerant varieties.

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三柳在冰冻胁迫下的动态转录组学分析表明StWRKY31是耐寒性的正调节因子

柳是一种生长迅速的灌木柳树，原产于温带和寒冷地区，具有显著的抗冻性。然而，这种天然抗寒性的分子机制仍未得到充分研究。在这项研究中，我们对在- 4 °C冷冻胁迫下的三头草幼苗进行了时间过程转录组学分析。共鉴定出11,287个差异表达基因，并将其聚类成6个具有动态时间模式的不同共表达模块，揭示了涉及早期应激感知、代谢调节和持续细胞保护的多阶段转录反应。在差异表达的转录因子中，WRKY家族成员StWRKY31 （EVM0008367）被鉴定为冷诱导候选基因，属于中后期适应模块，在24 h达到峰值。亚细胞定位分析表明StWRKY31定位于细胞核。StWRKY31在拟南芥中的异源过表达显著增强了其抗冻能力，在非驯化和冷驯化的冷冻试验中，其存活率均有所提高。在stwrky31过表达的拟南芥品系中，活性氧（ROS）积累减少，超氧化物歧化酶（SOD）和过氧化物酶（POD）活性增加，脯氨酸含量升高，丙二醛（MDA）水平降低。此外，StWRKY31以时间依赖的方式上调冷响应标记基因（AtGSTF8、AtZAT10和AtHY5）的表达，在冷暴露前基础表达升高，提示潜在的防御启动状态。这些结果表明，StWRKY31在抗冻性方面起着积极的调节作用。该研究有助于了解木本植物冷适应的调控动态，并为选育耐寒品种提供了有价值的候选基因。

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来源期刊

Plant Physiology and Biochemistry 生物-植物科学

CiteScore

11.10

自引率

3.10%

发文量

410

审稿时长

33 days

期刊介绍： Plant Physiology and Biochemistry publishes original theoretical, experimental and technical contributions in the various fields of plant physiology (biochemistry, physiology, structure, genetics, plant-microbe interactions, etc.) at diverse levels of integration (molecular, subcellular, cellular, organ, whole plant, environmental). Opinions expressed in the journal are the sole responsibility of the authors and publication does not imply the editors'' agreement. Manuscripts describing molecular-genetic and/or gene expression data that are not integrated with biochemical analysis and/or actual measurements of plant physiological processes are not suitable for PPB. Also "Omics" studies (transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, etc.) reporting descriptive analysis without an element of functional validation assays, will not be considered. Similarly, applied agronomic or phytochemical studies that generate no new, fundamental insights in plant physiological and/or biochemical processes are not suitable for publication in PPB. Plant Physiology and Biochemistry publishes several types of articles: Reviews, Papers and Short Papers. Articles for Reviews are either invited by the editor or proposed by the authors for the editor''s prior agreement. Reviews should not exceed 40 typewritten pages and Short Papers no more than approximately 8 typewritten pages. The fundamental character of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry remains that of a journal for original results.