Work

Network-guided transcriptomic insights into tissue-specific and temporal salt stress responses in broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica)

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Salinity is a major constraint on global crop productivity, particularly affecting moderately tolerant species such as broccoli. To elucidate the molecular basis of salt stress adaptation, we performed an untargeted transcriptomic analysis in broccoli roots and aerial tissues at three time points after treatments (6 hours, 3 days, and 10 days). Our results revealed a complex, biphasic response involving an early transcriptional shock, followed by a sustained adjustment phase marked by transcriptional reprogramming. Tissue-specific differences were observed, as each organ exhibiting distinct strategies shaped by its developmental context. ABA signalling (synthesis, catabolism and receptors, PYR/PYL) could be a central regulator, modulating not only individual gene expression but entire metabolic pathways. Also, induction of P5CS1 , involved in proline biosynthesis, further suggests prolonged activation of ABA-dependent osmoprotective pathways. Roots, while showing pronounced salt-specific responses, also retained developmentally driven expression profiles as cell wall reinforcement. While in aerial tissues, global transcriptomic patterns largely followed intrinsic developmental trajectories. Overall, our study highlights the importance of coordinated regulation between stress adaptation mechanisms and ongoing developmental programs. Maintaining this balance, particularly through ABA signalling, osmotic adjustment, and cell wall remodelling, is essential for long-term survival under chronic salinity. • Time-resolved RNA-seq reveals biphasic salt stress response in broccoli. • ABA signalling fine-tunes osmoprotection and transcriptional reprogramming. • Roots reinforce cell walls, while shoots modulate photosynthesis under stress. • WGCNA identifies PYL, MYB46/ANAC043, and P5CS1 as key regulatory nodes. • Stress responses integrate with stable developmental transcriptomic programs.

Source: Plant Science

DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2025.112907

Authors: Lucia Yepes-Molina, Angel L. Guarnizo, Micaela Carvajal, Juan Nicolas-Espinosa

Institutions: Centro de Edafología y Biología Aplicada del Segura, Universidad de Murcia

Language: English

Topic: Plant Stress Responses and Tolerance

Subfield: Plant Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Zero hunger

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,760