Global transcriptome changes of elongating internode of sugarcane in response to mepiquat chloride

Abstract Background Mepiquat chloride (DPC) is a chemical that extensively used to control internode growth and create compact canopies in cultured plants. Previous studies have suggested DPC could also inhibit gibberellin biosynthesis sugarcane. Unfortunately, the molecular mechanism underlying suppressive effects of on plant still largely unknown. Results In present study, we first obtained high-quality long transcripts from internodes sugarcane using PacBio Sequel System. A total 72,671 isoforms, with N50 at 3073, were generated. These isoforms as reference for subsequent RNA-seq. Afterwards, short reads generated Illumina HiSeq 4000 platform compare differentially expressed genes both groups. Transcriptome profiling showed most significant gene changes occurred after six days post treatment. related hormone signal transduction several metabolites, indicating affected multiple pathways, addition suppressing biosynthesis. The network key stage was illustrated by weighted co-expression analysis (WGCNA). Among 36 constructed modules, top positive correlated module, spraying DPC, sienna3. Notably, Stf0 sulfotransferase, cyclin-like F-box, HOX12 hub sienna3 had high correlation other this module. Furthermore, qPCR validated accuracy RNA-seq results. Conclusion Taken together, demonstrated role these DPC-induced inhibition