Abstract
Global change scenarios in the Mediterranean basin predict a precipitation reduction within the coming hundred years. Therefore, increased drought will affect forests both in terms of adaptive ecology and ecosystemic services. However, how vegetation might adapt to drought is poorly understood. In this report, four years of climate change was simulated by excluding 35% of precipitation above a downy oak forest. RNASeq data allowed us to assemble a genome-guided transcriptome. This led to the identification of differentially expressed features, which was supported by the characterization of target metabolites using a metabolomics approach. We provided 2.5 Tb of RNASeq data and the assembly of the first genome guided transcriptome of Quercus pubescens. Up to 5724 differentially expressed transcripts were obtained; 42 involved in plant response to drought. Transcript set enrichment analysis showed that drought induces an increase in oxidative pressure that is mitigated by the upregulation of ubiquitin-like protein protease, ferrochelatase, oxaloacetate decarboxylase and oxo-acid-lyase activities. Furthermore, the downregulation of auxin biosynthesis and transport, carbohydrate storage metabolism were observed as well as the concomitant accumulation of metabolites, such as oxalic acid, malate and isocitrate. Our data suggest that early metabolic changes in the resistance of Q. pubescens to drought involve a tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle shunt through the glyoxylate pathway, galactose metabolism by reducing carbohydrate storage and increased proteolytic activity.
Highlights
Global change refers to a wide range of global phenomena such as warming, increased sea levels and extreme weather events
The Mediterranean basin stands at the crossroads of the influences of the arid climate of northern
Annual rain fall is projected to decline by 20–30% by the end of this century [3,4] which confirms the urgency of setting up conservation strategies in relation to the vulnerability of these ecosystems to drought
Summary
Global change refers to a wide range of global phenomena such as warming, increased sea levels and extreme weather events. Ecological genomics associate the study of ecophysiological components to those of the transcripts, proteins and metabolites as to understand gene function and coordination between cellular processes and biochemical pathways The aim of this in situ study was first to test the hypothesis of plant–climate coevolution through the transcription profile for drought response. Plants 2020, 9, x FOR PEER REVIEW ecophysiological components to those of the transcripts, proteins and metabolites as to understand gene function and coordination between cellular processes and biochemical pathways A multi-omic approach linking transcriptomics bridge the the gap gap between between gene gene expression, expression, metabolic metabolic and and metabolomics was carried out to bridge ecophysiological responses, responses, and and to provide new insights into plant water-stress-dependent metabolic ecophysiological networks.
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
