Comparative transcriptome analysis of genes related to tuberization in late and early maturing potato (Solanum tuberosum) cultivars
Abstract Potato maturity is a complex and vital agronomic trait directly impacting yield, quality, and economic value. Despite its importance, the molecular regulatory networks governing potato maturity remain largely unexplored. In this study, the factors underlying maturity differences between ear...
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Nature Portfolio
2025-07-01
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| author | Qingquan Li Yue Wang Yunfei Gao Qiao Wang Zhimin Niu Xiangri Nan Guoquan Fan Wanmin Sheng |
| author_facet | Qingquan Li Yue Wang Yunfei Gao Qiao Wang Zhimin Niu Xiangri Nan Guoquan Fan Wanmin Sheng |
| author_sort | Qingquan Li |
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| description | Abstract Potato maturity is a complex and vital agronomic trait directly impacting yield, quality, and economic value. Despite its importance, the molecular regulatory networks governing potato maturity remain largely unexplored. In this study, the factors underlying maturity differences between early-maturing (KX23) and late-maturing (DN310) tetraploid potato cultivars were investigated for the first time under field conditions. Tuber yields, starch content, flowering time, maturity and the number of morphologically modified stolons and initiated tubers were measured, revealing that maturity differences between KX23 and DN310 are linked to the timing of tuberization processes. To explore the molecular basis of these differences, RNA-seq analysis was performed on hooked stolons, swollen stolons, and initiated tubers, identifying key pathways involved in tuberization. WGCNA and qRT-PCR further pinpointed critical genes contributing to these pathways. DEGs between the two cultivars were primarily enriched in secondary metabolite pathways. Notably, a significant overlap of DEGs between KX23 and DN310 across the three developmental stages was identified, with enrichment in carbohydrate metabolism pathways. In total, 28 candidate genes consistently involved in tuber induction and formation were identified. Based on their functions, a model explaining how KX23 achieves faster tuberization, shortening its maturity period, was proposed. These findings provide valuable insights into the molecular regulatory mechanisms of tuberization and maturity in potatoes. |
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| institution | Kabale University |
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| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-07-01 |
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| spelling | doaj-art-bf4fb7eee6e543e2b25146f7a81f3db62025-08-20T03:45:49ZengNature PortfolioScientific Reports2045-23222025-07-0115111210.1038/s41598-025-11875-1Comparative transcriptome analysis of genes related to tuberization in late and early maturing potato (Solanum tuberosum) cultivarsQingquan Li0Yue Wang1Yunfei Gao2Qiao Wang3Zhimin Niu4Xiangri Nan5Guoquan Fan6Wanmin Sheng7Institute of Industrial Crops of Heilongjiang Academy of Agricultural SciencesHeilongjiang Key Laboratory for Potato Biology and Quality ImprovementInstitute of Industrial Crops of Heilongjiang Academy of Agricultural SciencesInstitute of Industrial Crops of Heilongjiang Academy of Agricultural SciencesInstitute of Industrial Crops of Heilongjiang Academy of Agricultural SciencesInstitute of Industrial Crops of Heilongjiang Academy of Agricultural SciencesInstitute of Industrial Crops of Heilongjiang Academy of Agricultural SciencesInstitute of Industrial Crops of Heilongjiang Academy of Agricultural SciencesAbstract Potato maturity is a complex and vital agronomic trait directly impacting yield, quality, and economic value. Despite its importance, the molecular regulatory networks governing potato maturity remain largely unexplored. In this study, the factors underlying maturity differences between early-maturing (KX23) and late-maturing (DN310) tetraploid potato cultivars were investigated for the first time under field conditions. Tuber yields, starch content, flowering time, maturity and the number of morphologically modified stolons and initiated tubers were measured, revealing that maturity differences between KX23 and DN310 are linked to the timing of tuberization processes. To explore the molecular basis of these differences, RNA-seq analysis was performed on hooked stolons, swollen stolons, and initiated tubers, identifying key pathways involved in tuberization. WGCNA and qRT-PCR further pinpointed critical genes contributing to these pathways. DEGs between the two cultivars were primarily enriched in secondary metabolite pathways. Notably, a significant overlap of DEGs between KX23 and DN310 across the three developmental stages was identified, with enrichment in carbohydrate metabolism pathways. In total, 28 candidate genes consistently involved in tuber induction and formation were identified. Based on their functions, a model explaining how KX23 achieves faster tuberization, shortening its maturity period, was proposed. These findings provide valuable insights into the molecular regulatory mechanisms of tuberization and maturity in potatoes.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-11875-1PotatoMaturityTuberizationRNA-seqWGCNA |
| spellingShingle | Qingquan Li Yue Wang Yunfei Gao Qiao Wang Zhimin Niu Xiangri Nan Guoquan Fan Wanmin Sheng Comparative transcriptome analysis of genes related to tuberization in late and early maturing potato (Solanum tuberosum) cultivars Scientific Reports Potato Maturity Tuberization RNA-seq WGCNA |
| title | Comparative transcriptome analysis of genes related to tuberization in late and early maturing potato (Solanum tuberosum) cultivars |
| title_full | Comparative transcriptome analysis of genes related to tuberization in late and early maturing potato (Solanum tuberosum) cultivars |
| title_fullStr | Comparative transcriptome analysis of genes related to tuberization in late and early maturing potato (Solanum tuberosum) cultivars |
| title_full_unstemmed | Comparative transcriptome analysis of genes related to tuberization in late and early maturing potato (Solanum tuberosum) cultivars |
| title_short | Comparative transcriptome analysis of genes related to tuberization in late and early maturing potato (Solanum tuberosum) cultivars |
| title_sort | comparative transcriptome analysis of genes related to tuberization in late and early maturing potato solanum tuberosum cultivars |
| topic | Potato Maturity Tuberization RNA-seq WGCNA |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-11875-1 |
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