Spatial Transcriptomics of Developing Wheat Seed Reveals Concentric Gene Expression Zones and Subgenome Biased Expression of Key Genes.

ABSTRACT: Gene expression of developing seeds drives essential processes such as nutrient storage, stress tolerance and germination. However, the spatial organisation of gene expression within the complex structure of the seed remains largely unexplored. Here we report the use of the STOmics spatial transcriptomics platform to visualise spatial expression patterns in the wheat (Triticum aestivum) seed at the critical period of grain filling in mid-seed development. We analysed > 4 000 000 spatially resolved transcripts, achieving subcellular resolution of transcript localisation across multiple tissue domains, and identified gene expression clusters linked to eight functional cellular groups. Notably, our analysis characterised four distinct clusters within the endosperm, appearing in concentric zon

SUBMITTER: Millsteed T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12665067 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature