Plant Gene and Traits 2024, Vol.15, No.3, 129-140 http://genbreedpublisher.com/index.php/pgt 129 Feature Review Open Access Gene Expression Analysis and Regulatory Mechanisms of Pine Seed Germination Xumin Lv, Wenfang Wang Institute of Life Science, Jiyang College of Zhejiang A&F University, Zhuji, 311800, Zhejiang, China Corresponding email: wenfang.wang@jicat.org Plant Gene and Trait, 2024, Vol.15, No.3 doi: 10.5376/pgt.2024.15.0014 Received: 22 Mar., 2024 Accepted: 27 Apr., 2024 Published: 16 May, 2024 Copyright © 2024 Lv and Wang, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Lv X.M., and Wang W.F., 2024, Gene expression analysis and regulatory mechanisms of pine seed germination, Plant Gene and Trait, 15(3): 129-140 (doi: 10.5376/pgt.2024.15.0014) Abstract Pine species are crucial to forest ecosystems and the timber industry, yet understanding their seed germination processes presents both challenges and opportunities. This study explores gene expression dynamics and regulatory mechanisms during pine seed germination, providing insights into key stages, major genes involved, and the techniques used for analysis. We investigate hormonal, environmental, genetic, and epigenetic factors influencing gene expression, supported by detailed case studies and comparative analyses across different pine species. Technological advances in transcriptomics, genomics, and bioinformatics have been leveraged to elucidate gene expression profiles. The findings have significant implications for enhancing germination rates, genetic engineering, and sustainable forestry practices. By integrating gene expression data into conservation strategies, this study aims to improve pine seed conservation and develop informed policies for species preservation. Future research directions highlight emerging trends, potential collaborations, and ongoing research needs in pine seed germination and conservation. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of pine biology, offering practical applications for forestry and conservation. Keywords Pine seed germination; Gene expression; Regulatory mechanisms; Genetic analysis; Conservation strategies 1 Introduction Pine species are integral components of forest ecosystems and hold significant value in the timber industry. Understanding the gene expression and regulatory mechanisms during pine seed germination is crucial for improving forest management practices and enhancing the adaptability of these species to changing environmental conditions (Salazar et al., 2018; Chen et al., 2023). Pine species, such as the Loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.), play a pivotal role in forest ecosystems by contributing to biodiversity, carbon sequestration, and soil stabilization (Galibina et al., 2023). They are also economically important due to their use in the timber industry for producing wood, paper, and other forest products (Nawrot‐Chorabik et al., 2021). The Loblolly pine, for instance, is widely used in afforestation projects due to its rapid growth and adaptability to various environmental conditions (Mao et al., 2021). Additionally, pine species are sources of valuable metabolites with pharmacological activities, further underscoring their ecological and economic significance. Despite their importance, the molecular mechanisms underlying pine seed germination remain poorly understood (Zaborowska et al., 2022). Factors such as genetic introgression, environmental stressors, and dormancy-breaking treatments significantly influence seed germination and seedling development (Nawrot‐Chorabik et al., 2021). For example, genetic introgression between closely related pine species can impact seed morphology and germination fitness, highlighting the need for comprehensive studies on genetic and environmental interactions (Liu et al., 2021; Zhang et al., 2022). Moreover, dormancy-breaking treatments, including stratification, scarification, and the application of phytohormones, have been shown to enhance germination rates, but the underlying gene expression changes require further investigation. This study aims to explore the gene expression and regulatory mechanisms involved in pine seed germination. By integrating transcriptome and metabolome analyses, this study identifies key genes and metabolic pathways that regulate germination processes in pine species; specifically, examines the role of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) in germination, as well as the impact of
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ4ODYzMg==