Abstract
IntroductionSeed germination is inherently related to seed metabolism, which changes throughout its maturation, desiccation and germination processes. The metabolite content of a seed and its ability to germinate are determined by underlying genetic architecture and environmental effects during development.ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess an integrative approach to explore genetics modulating seed metabolism in different developmental stages and the link between seed metabolic- and germination traits.MethodsWe have utilized gas chromatography-time-of-flight/mass spectrometry (GC-TOF/MS) metabolite profiling to characterize tomato seeds during dry and imbibed stages. We describe, for the first time in tomato, the use of a so-called generalized genetical genomics (GGG) model to study the interaction between genetics, environment and seed metabolism using 100 tomato recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from a cross between Solanum lycopersicum and Solanum pimpinellifolium.ResultsQTLs were found for over two-thirds of the metabolites within several QTL hotspots. The transition from dry to 6 h imbibed seeds was associated with programmed metabolic switches. Significant correlations varied among individual metabolites and the obtained clusters were significantly enriched for metabolites involved in specific biochemical pathways.ConclusionsExtensive genetic variation in metabolite abundance was uncovered. Numerous identified genetic regions that coordinate groups of metabolites were detected and these will contain plausible candidate genes. The combined analysis of germination phenotypes and metabolite profiles provides a strong indication for the hypothesis that metabolic composition is related to germination phenotypes and thus to seed performance.
Highlights
Seed germination is inherently related to seed metabolism, which changes throughout its maturation, desiccation and germination processes
Our observations demonstrate that variations in the topology of correlation networks reflect at least partially-known biochemical pathways in tomato (Camacho et al 2005; Fukushima et al 2011; Steuer 2006; Toubiana et al 2015)
Our study shows that dry and imbibed seed developmental stages are associated with programmed metabolic switches
Summary
Seed germination is inherently related to seed metabolism, which changes throughout its maturation, desiccation and germination processes. The combination of metabolomics and genetics has provided powerful insights into the origin and maintenance of natural variation (Keurentjes et al 2006). Given their huge diversity, metabolites can be associated with specific genetic markers, mRNA transcripts, and enzyme activities, allowing a. Variations in plant growth, as well as in seed and metabolic traits, have been detected for a series of natural accessions and recombinant inbred lines (Joosen et al 2013a, b; Meyer et al 2007; Prinzenberg et al 2010; Rosental et al 2016; Schauer et al 2006; Skogerson et al 2010; Toubiana et al 2012, 2015). Certain alterations that impair cellular structures and metabolism have been implicated in seed deterioration, the molecular and biochemical basis of seed performance is not well understood
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 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 callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
