Gene Co‐Expression Networks Highlight Key Nodes Associated With Ammonium Nitrate in Sugarcane

TL;DR

This study identifies key genes and networks in sugarcane that influence how efficiently the plant uses nitrogen, offering targets for improving crop breeding.

Contribution

The study introduces a systems-level framework using gene co-expression networks to identify nitrogen-use efficiency regulators in sugarcane.

Findings

Responsive sugarcane genotype prioritizes carbon metabolism and defense under high nitrogen.

Non-responsive genotype activates photosynthesis and stress responses under nitrogen conditions.

Module 20, enriched in MYB transcription factors, is a central regulator of nitrogen response.

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate molecular mechanisms underlying nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) in sugarcane by analyzing transcriptome profiles of two genotypes (responsive, RB975375; non‐responsive, RB937570) under contrasting nitrogen conditions, and along the leaf development gradient. Using RNA‐seq data from 48 leaf segment samples, the analyses integrated gene co‐expression network approaches to uncover genotype‐specific regulatory modules and metabolic pathways linked to NUE. The responsive genotype prioritized carbon metabolism and defense under high nitrogen, while the non‐responsive genotype activated photosynthesis and stress responses. Co‐expression analysis revealed 44 nitrogen‐responsive and 20 genotype‐correlated modules. Module 20, enriched in MYB/MYB‐related transcription factors, emerged as a central regulator of nitrogen response. Key metabolic markers (RUBISCO, PEPCASE) correlated with specific modules, and novel candidate genes (e.g., NewTr2475430.gen) showed genotype‐specific expression. Generated resources include (1) RNA‐seq datasets (NCBI BioProject PRJNA1176579); (2) a de novo transcriptome assembly (3.8 million transcripts clustered into 2.48 million transcript groups); (3) co‐expression networks (1109 nodes, 199 modules); (4) annotated DEGs (2723) and metabolic correlations (e.g., RUBISCO, chlorophyll); (5) genotype‐specific expression profiles and candidate genes (e.g., MYB transcription factors, uncharacterized transcripts). This resource provides actionable targets (e.g., MYB TFs, uncharacterized transcripts) for improving NUE in sugarcane breeding. The network modules and metabolic correlations offer a systems‐level framework to study complex nitrogen‐responsive mechanisms in polyploid C4 crops. Publicly available datasets enable comparative studies on nutrient use efficiency in polyploid crops, advancing sustainable agriculture.

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