Plant Gene and Traits 2024, Vol.15, No.3, 129-140 http://genbreedpublisher.com/index.php/pgt 133 4.2 Comparative gene expression analysis across different pine species Comparative studies have also been conducted to understand gene expression differences across various pine species. For example, a study comparing radiata pine (Pinus radiata) and maritime pine (Pinus pinaster) under gravitropic stress identified differentially expressed genes involved in hormone regulation, the phenylpropanoid pathway, and signal transduction (Ramos et al., 2012). Additionally, research on Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) populations from different climatic regions of Finland revealed variations in DNA methylation and gene expression, particularly in genes related to climate adaptation (Figure 3) (Alakärppä et al., 2018). These comparative analyses provide valuable insights into the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms underlying species-specific responses to environmental stresses. Figure 3 Sparse partial least squares (sPLS)-based classification of the different samples corresponding to the KOL, PAR, and RUO populations (Adopted from Alakärppä et al., 2018) Image caption: Considering the changes in gene expression and environmental variables (averages from 1977 to 2007) in megagametophytes (A) and embryos (B). Components 1 and 2 corresponding to the XY space are represented. Ellipses represent a confidence interval of 0.9. (C, D) sPLS networks constructed using relative gene expressions and environmental variables in megagametophytes (C) and embryos (D). Color keys represent the value of the correlation between gene expression and environmental variables (Adopted from Alakärppä et al., 2018) The research of Alakärppä et al. (2018) showcases a study on the correlation between gene expression and environmental variables in megagametophytes and embryos from different plant populations (KOL, PAR, and RUO). The sparse partial least squares (sPLS) plots (A and B) reveal distinct clustering patterns for each population, indicating significant differences in gene expression profiles. These differences are influenced by environmental factors, as shown by the clear separation in the XY-variate space. The sPLS network diagrams (C and D) further illustrate the relationships between gene expressions and environmental variables. Strong correlations are depicted with color-coded lines, where red and blue lines represent positive and negative correlations, respectively. Key genes like CCA1, COL1, and FTL2 show significant interactions with environmental factors such as day length, growing season length, and average rainfall. These findings suggest that environmental conditions from 1977 to 2007 have influenced the genetic expression in these plant populations, providing insights into how plants adapt to changing climates and environmental conditions over time. This understanding is crucial for predicting plant responses to future environmental changes. 4.3 Implications of gene regulation studies for seed viability and vigor Understanding gene regulation in pine seeds has significant implications for seed viability and vigor. For instance, the identification of differentially expressed genes in response to environmental stresses can inform breeding programs aimed at enhancing seed resilience. The study on Scots pine demonstrated that differential DNA
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ4ODYzMg==