Integrative omics analysis of Rosa chinensis reveals insights into its transcriptome and in silico characterization of potassium transport genes

Potassium is a monovalent cation with an osmotic activity in plants. It comprises 10 to 11% of plant dry weight and has crucial importance in the development and stress mechanism of plants. A well-studied system of K+ channels and transporters is involved in the regulation and transport of potassium from soil to different parts of plants. However, the knowledge of this system in ornamental plants especially in roses is limited. In current research, various omics approaches were utilized to characterize the K+ transport system in China rose (Rosa chinensis). Genomewide analysis revealed that a total of 32 genes were candidates for K+ channels (21) and transporters (11). Based on their conserved domain and motif, these genes were further classified into subfamilies as K+ channels: 6 Shakers, 5 TPKs, and K+ transporters: 2 HKTs, 5 KEAs, and 14 KUP/HAK/KTs. Phylogenetic and evolutionary studies revealed that segmental duplication may play an important role in the expansion of this gene family. The cis-elements in promoter region showed that these K+ transport-related genes may be involved in response to various abiotic stresses. RNA-seq analysis and its validation through qRT-PCR showed that a channel gene RcAKT1.2 and two transporter genes RcKUP/HAK/KT11 and RcKUP/HAK/KT13 were potentially involved in the regulation of plant stress response. This research explains the valuable vision for functional assays of K+ transport system in China rose.

Automated summary

Potassium is crucial in the development and stress mechanism of plants. The K+ transport system in China rose was characterized using omics approaches. Several genes related to potassium transport were identified, and it was found that these genes may be involved in response to abiotic stresses.