Cell-Type-Specific and Variety-Specific Responses to Salt Stress in Wheat Root Revealed by Single-Cell Transcriptomics.

ABSTRACT: Soil salinization threatens the yield and quality of wheat. Roots are critical for the salt stress response, yet their cell-type-specific mechanisms remain unclear. We conducted the first single-nucleus RNA sequencing analysis of wheat root tips from salt-sensitive (CS) and -tolerant (DK) varieties under salt stress, profiling 188 270 high-quality root cells. Seventeen cell types were identified and validated using reported marker genes and reference atlases. Cell-type-specific analyses found that root hair cells exhibited the strongest association with salt stress, with variety-specific transcriptional changes potentially contributing to DK's superior salt tolerance. Comparative gene profiling of root hair cells highlighted that CS prioritized rapid stress signaling and osmolyte accumulat

SUBMITTER: Du L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12946467 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature