Effects of nitrogen levels on gene expression and amino acid metabolism in Welsh onion

Chen Zhao,Xin Sun,Guanchu Ma,Song Zhang,Kunlun Li,Lin Zhao,Lin Zhou,Le Su,Qiulin Yue,Orlando Borrás-Hidalgo

doi:10.1186/s12864-021-08130-y

Abstract

BackgroundWelsh onion constitutes an important crop due to its benefits in traditional medicine. Nitrogen is an important nutrient for plant growth and yield; however, little is known about its influence on the mechanisms of Welsh onion regulation genes. In this study, we introduced a gene expression and amino acid analysis of Welsh onion treated with different concentrations of nitrogen (N0, N1, and N2 at 0 kg/ha, 130 kg/ha, and 260 kg/ha, respectively).ResultsApproximately 1,665 genes were differentially regulated with different concentrations of nitrogen. Gene ontology enrichment analysis revealed that the genes involved in metabolic processes, protein biosynthesis, and transportation of amino acids were highly represented. KEGG analysis indicated that the pathways were related to amino acid metabolism, cysteine, beta-alanine, arginine, proline, and glutathione. Differential gene expression in response to varying nitrogen concentrations resulted in different amino acid content. A close relationship between gene expression and the content of amino acids was observed.ConclusionsThis work examined the effects of nitrogen on gene expression and amino acid synthesis and provides important evidence on the efficient use of nitrogen in Welsh onion.

Highlights

Welsh onion constitutes an important crop due to its benefits in traditional medicine
We introduced differentially expressed gene (DEG) regulations and amino acids to investigate the relationship between nitrogen supply and metabolism in Welsh onion
This work examined the influence of nitrogen in the activation of nitrogen-related genes and amino acid metabolism in Welsh onion for the first time

Summary

Introduction

Welsh onion constitutes an important crop due to its benefits in traditional medicine. Nitrogen is an important nutrient for plant growth and yield; little is known about its influence on the mechanisms of Welsh onion regulation genes. Nitrogen (N) is considered one of the most important nutrients required for plant growth and yield [1, 2]; crop yield and productivity have a strong relationship with the supply of nitrogen. Welsh onion (Allium fistulosum L.) is an important economical crop widely cultivated throughout the world, in Asian countries [4]. It is often used as an ingredient for its special flavor and aroma and is considered a good source of nutrition; it is used in traditional medicine [5].

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