Transcriptome profiling of Plumbago auriculata Lam. in response to cold stress

Abstract

With its rare and naturally blue corolla, Plumbago auriculata Lam. has received attention and been introduced and planted worldwide. However, it is sensitive to low temperatures. Continuous low temperatures cause the stagnation of plant growth and the disappearance of ornamental traits. Currently, there is no report on the response of P. auriculata to low temperature. In this study, the chlorophyll fluorescence parameters of P. auriculata leaves were analysed after 10 days of low-temperature stress, and 943 differentially expressed genes were identified via high-throughput RNA sequencing. P. auriculata copes with low-temperature stress by changing the pathways of sugar metabolism, glutathione metabolism and lipid metabolism; however, the decrease in the assimilation level caused by damage to the photoreaction system is an important reason for plant growth stagnation. In addition, we identified 47 differentially expressed transcription factors, including the upregulated MYBS3 transcription factor, which is involved in the MYBS3-dependent pathway that is distinct from the DREB/CBF pathway. Our data reveal the cause of P. auriculata stagnation at low temperatures and provide valuable information for further studies on cold-response mechanisms and the genetic improvement of cold tolerance in P. auriculata.