Tree Genetics and Molecular Breeding 2024, Vol.14, No.2, 69-80 http://genbreedpublisher.com/index.php/tgmb 77 This study has made substantial contributions to forestry science and genetic engineering by providing a detailed catalog of structural variations and their functional implications in poplar. The identification of genes involved in stress and pathogen resistance, as well as those associated with secondary cell wall biosynthesis, offers valuable targets for genetic improvement and breeding programs. The stability of transgene expression over multiple field seasons underscores the potential for reliable genetic modifications in poplar, which is crucial for both functional genomics studies and commercial forestry applications. Furthermore, the establishment of a dosage-based functional genomics system enables the exploration of gene dosage effects on quantitative traits and hybrid performance, paving the way for advanced breeding strategies. Future genomic research should focus on expanding the functional annotation of the poplar genome, particularly in identifying and characterizing genes involved in key physiological processes such as dormancy, secondary growth, and long-term host-pest interactions. Integrating high-resolution RNA-Seq data with co-expression network analysis can provide deeper insights into the regulatory mechanisms governing these processes. Additionally, leveraging the PoplarGene network for cross-species functional annotation can enhance our understanding of gene functions in other woody plants, thereby broadening the scope of forestry research. Practical applications should prioritize the development of genetically engineered poplar varieties with enhanced resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses, improved wood quality, and optimized growth characteristics. This can be achieved through targeted manipulation of identified candidate genes and the application of advanced breeding techniques such as CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing. By building on the foundational knowledge provided by this study, future research and practical applications can significantly advance the field of forestry science and contribute to sustainable forest management and wood production. Acknowledgments We appreciate the feedback from two anonymous peer reviewers on the manuscript of this study, whose careful evaluation and constructive suggestions have contributed to the improvement of the manuscript. Conflict of Interest Disclosure The authors affirm that this research was conducted without any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest. Reference Brunner A., Busov V., and Strauss S., 2004, Poplar genome sequence: functional genomics in an ecologically dominant plant species, Trends in Plant Science, 9(1): 49-56. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tplants.2003.11.006 PMid:14729219 Chen S., Yu Y., Wang X., Wang S., Zhang T., Zhou Y., He R., Meng N., Wang Y., Liu W., Liu Z., Liu J., Guo Q., Huang H., Sederoff R., Wang G., Qu G., and Chen S., 2023, Chromosome‐level genome assembly of a triploid poplar Populus alba ‘Berolinensis’, Molecular Ecology Resources, 23: 1092-1107. https://doi.org/10.1111/1755-0998.13770 PMid:36789493 Cho J., Jeon H., Kim M., Vo T., Kim J., Park E., Choi Y., Lee H., Han K., and Ko J., 2018, Wood forming tissue‐specific bicistronic expression of PdGA20ox1 and PtrMYB221 improves both the quality and quantity of woody biomass production in a hybrid poplar, Plant Biotechnology Journal, 17(6): 1048-1057. https://doi.org/10.1111/pbi.13036 PMid:30515982 PMCid:PMC6523601 Confalonieri M., Balestrazzi A., Bisoffi S., and Carbonera D., 2003, In vitro culture and genetic engineering of Populus spp.: synergy for forest tree improvement, Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture, 72: 109-138. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1022265504775 Cruz F., Lagoa D., Mendes J., Rocha I., Ferreira E., Rocha M., and Dias Ó., 2019, SamPler - a novel method for selecting parameters for gene functional annotation routines, BMC Bioinformatics, 20: 454. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12859-019-3038-4 PMid:31488049 PMCid:PMC6727554
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