Abstract
The integrative omics approach is crucial to identify the molecular mechanisms underlying high-temperature response in non-model species. Based on future scenarios of heat increase, Pinus radiata plants were exposed to a temperature of 40°C for a period of 5 days, including recovered plants (30 days after last exposure to 40°C) in the analysis. The analysis of the metabolome using complementary mass spectrometry techniques (GC-MS and LC-Orbitrap-MS) allowed the reliable quantification of 2,287 metabolites. The analysis of identified metabolites and highlighter metabolic pathways across heat time exposure reveal the dynamism of the metabolome in relation to high-temperature response in P. radiata, identifying the existence of a turning point (on day 3) at which P. radiata plants changed from an initial stress response program (shorter-term response) to an acclimation one (longer-term response). Furthermore, the integration of metabolome and physiological measurements, which cover from the photosynthetic state to hormonal profile, suggests a complex metabolic pathway interaction network related to heat-stress response. Cytokinins (CKs), fatty acid metabolism and flavonoid and terpenoid biosynthesis were revealed as the most important pathways involved in heat-stress response in P. radiata, with zeatin riboside (ZR) and isopentenyl adenosine (iPA) as the key hormones coordinating these multiple and complex interactions. On the other hand, the integrative approach allowed elucidation of crucial metabolic mechanisms involved in heat response in P. radiata, as well as the identification of thermotolerance metabolic biomarkers (L-phenylalanine, hexadecanoic acid, and dihydromyricetin), crucial metabolites which can reschedule the metabolic strategy to adapt to high temperature.
Highlights
As a consequence of climate change, the intensity and frequency of extreme weather events, such as heat waves, are projected to increase, these being one of the major global risks (EEA, 2012)
The fusion of a customized searching/identification algorithm based on in-house and public databases resulted in the unequivocal identification of 41 ions and 747 ions that were tentatively assigned after comparing its very accurate mass against reference compound databases (Supplementary Table S1)
The plant metabolome responds to an unfavorable environment in a dynamic way, being favored a characteristic type of metabolic pathways at every moment of stress
Summary
As a consequence of climate change, the intensity and frequency of extreme weather events, such as heat waves, are projected to increase, these being one of the major global risks (EEA, 2012). In order to reach the future demand for wood products, it is necessary to focus research in improving the production, health, and performance of the commercially valued forest species, such as Pinus radiata, in future scenarios of increased temperature. It is known that heat stress generates damage to the cell membrane, overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS), senescence, inhibition of photosynthesis, and cell death. Plants have designed specific protection mechanisms to minimize and repair the damage caused by high temperatures in order to cope with heat waves that they will inevitably face during their lifespan
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
