FER and LecRK show haplotype-dependent cold-responsiveness and mediate freezing tolerance in Lotus japonicus

Many plant species have succeeded in colonizing a wide range of diverse climates through local adaptation, but the underlying molecular genetics remain obscure. We previously found that winter survival was a direct target of selection during colonization of Japan by the perennial legume Lotus japonicus and identified associated candidate genes. Here, we show that two of these, FERONIA-receptor like kinase (LjFER) and a S-receptor-like kinase gene (LjLecRK), are required for non-acclimated freezing tolerance and show haplotype-dependent cold-responsive expression. Our work suggests that recruiting a conserved growth regulator gene, FER, and a receptor-like kinase gene, LecRK, into the set of cold-responsive genes has contributed to freezing tolerance and local climate adaptation in L. japonicus, offering functional genetic insight into perennial herb evolution.

Automated summary

This research found that winter survival was the direct target of selection during colonization of Japan by Lotus japonicus. Two candidate genes, FERONIA-receptor like kinase (LjFER) and a S-receptor-like kinase gene (LjLecRK), were identified to be required for non-acclimated freezing tolerance and exhibited haplotype-dependent cold-responsive expression. The study suggests that incorporating a conserved growth regulator gene, FER, and a receptor-like kinase gene, LecRK, into the cold-responsive genes contributed to freezing tolerance and local climate adaptation in L. japonicus, providing insights into the genetic mechanisms of perennial herb evolution.