image: Triplostegia glandulifera plant and its genome. A Chromosomes (2n = 18) (right panel) and morphology of T. glandulifera with the flower (left panel), leaf, stem and root displayed. B Landscape of the T. glandulifera genome. Tracks i–v represent nine pseudochromosomes (Mb), GC content, repeat element density, LTR density, and gene density, respectively. The inner curve lines indicate collinear gene blocks.
Credit: Horticulture Research
Unraveling the genetic mysteries of alpine plants, a pioneering study presents a chromosome-level genome assembly of the medicinal herb Triplostegia glandulifera. The research uncovers the plant's sophisticated genetic adaptations, including a whole-genome duplication event that significantly bolstered its cold tolerance and other alpine-specific survival traits. This discovery offers a profound understanding of how these plants thrive in some of the world's most inhospitable environments.
Alpine habitats present extreme challenges, including low temperatures, high UV radiation, and limited oxygen levels, which demand unique adaptations from the plants that inhabit these regions. Despite their ecological importance, the genetic mechanisms behind these adaptations are not well understood. Studying these mechanisms is crucial because it can lead to insights into plant resilience and survival strategies under environmental stress. Due to these challenges, it is imperative to conduct in-depth research to uncover the genetic and physiological adaptations that enable plant survival in such harsh conditions.
Researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and other institutions have published a study (DOI: 10.1093/hr/uhae077) on May 1, 2024, in Horticulture Research, that unveils the genomic adaptations of the alpine plant Triplostegia glandulifera. The study provides a comprehensive analysis of how this plant copes with the harsh conditions of high-elevation environments.
The study presents a detailed genome assembly of T. glandulifera and compares it with the lowland species Lonicera japonica. Researchers discovered a whole-genome duplication event in T. glanduliferaa, which increased the number of cold-related genes, enhancing the plant's ability to withstand cold stress. Key genes, such as CBFs and LEAs, were found to be highly expressed in T. glandulifera, playing crucial roles in cold tolerance. Additionally, the study identified a convergent reduction in disease resistance genes among alpine plants, indicating an energy-saving strategy in environments with fewer pathogens. This reduction in immune-related genes reflects an adaptation to the alpine habitat, where conserving energy is vital for survival. Overall, the research provides valuable insights into the genetic basis of alpine adaptation, offering potential applications in improving plant resilience in extreme environments.
Dr. Zhi-Duan Chen, a leading scientist in plant genomics, remarked, "This research provides unprecedented insights into the genetic adaptations of alpine plants. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for conserving these species and could inform agricultural practices in challenging environments."
The insights gained from this study could significantly impact conservation strategies for alpine plants, which are particularly vulnerable to climate change. By identifying key genes involved in stress tolerance, researchers can develop new approaches to enhance the resilience of crops in extreme environments. Moreover, this knowledge may contribute to the cultivation and preservation of medicinal plants like T. glandulifera, ensuring their availability for future generations.
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References
DOI
Original Source URL
https://doi.org/10.1093/hr/uhae077
Funding information
This work was supported by grants from the Science Fund for Creative Research Groups of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 32221001), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (General Program) (No. 32070233), the National Key Research Development Program of China (No. 2023YFF0805800), and the Forestry Peak Discipline Construction Project of Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University (No. 72202200205).
About Horticulture Research
Horticulture Research is an open access journal of Nanjing Agricultural University and ranked number one in the Horticulture category of the Journal Citation Reports ™ from Clarivate, 2022. The journal is committed to publishing original research articles, reviews, perspectives, comments, correspondence articles and letters to the editor related to all major horticultural plants and disciplines, including biotechnology, breeding, cellular and molecular biology, evolution, genetics, inter-species interactions, physiology, and the origination and domestication of crops.
Journal
Horticulture Research
Subject of Research
Not applicable
Article Title
Coping with alpine habitats: genomic insights into the adaptation strategies of Triplostegia glandulifera (Caprifoliaceae)
Article Publication Date
1-May-2024
COI Statement
The authors declare that they have no competing interests.