Multi-omics data provide insight into the adaptation of the glasshouse plant Rheum nobile to the alpine subnival zone.

ABSTRACT: Subnival glasshouse plants provide a text-book example of high-altitude adaptation with reproductive organs enclosed in specialized semi-translucent bracts, monocarpic reproduction and continuous survival under stress. Here, we present genomic, transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses for one such plant, the Noble rhubarb (Rheum nobile). Comparative genomic analyses show that an expanded number of genes and retained genes from two recent whole-genome duplication events are both relevant to subnival adaptation of this species. Most photosynthesis genes are downregulated within bracts compared to within leaves, and indeed bracts exhibit a sharp reduction in photosynthetic pigments, indicating that the bracts no longer perform photosynthesis. Contrastingly, genes related to flavonol synthesis

SUBMITTER: Li Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10477342 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature