Integrative genomics reveals paths to sex dimorphism in <i>Salix purpurea</i> L

Abstract Sex dimorphism and gene expression were studied in developing catkins 159 F2 individuals from the bioenergy crop Salix purpurea, potential mechanisms pathways for regulating sex development explored. Differential expression, eQTL, bisulfite sequencing, network analysis used to characterize dimorphism, detect candidate master regulator genes, identify through which determination region (SDR) may mediate dimorphism. Eleven genes are presented as candidates regulators of sex, supported by analyses. These include putatively involved hormone signaling, epigenetic modification, regulation transcription. eQTL revealed a suite transcription factors secondary metabolism floral that predicted be under direct control region. Furthermore, data sequencing small RNA strong differences between males females would implicate both these processes pathways. indicate mechanism purpurea is likely different observed related genus Populus. This further demonstrates dynamic nature SDRs plants, involves multitude high rate turnover.