Biotechnology Bulletin ›› 2025, Vol. 41 ›› Issue (6): 109-118.doi: 10.13560/j.cnki.biotech.bull.1985.2025-0003

Previous Articles    

Identification and Functional Analysis of Gravity Response Regulatory Genes in Potato

LUO Ji-lin(), LI Jin-ye, JIA Yu-xin()   

  1. Joint Academy of Potato Science, Yunnan Normal University, Kunming 650500
  • Received:2025-01-02 Online:2025-06-26 Published:2025-06-30
  • Contact: JIA Yu-xin E-mail:ljl2461647881@163.com;jiayuxin@caas.cn

Abstract:

Objective This study aims to provide a reference for elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying gravity response in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) and to offer potential genetic resources for the genetic improvement and breeding of potato. Method Paraffin sectioning was employed to examine the histological structures of potato stolons and aerial stems. Gravity-responsive regulatory genes in potato were identified through homology alignment, with their expressions validated by RT-qPCR. Expression patterns were further analyzed using transcriptome sequencing. Utilizing the tetraploid potato variety Desiree as a background, we constructed transgenic lines that overexpressed the gravity-responsive key gene StLAZY1-1, followed by observation and statistical analysis of their phenotypes. Result Significant morphological differences in tissue structure were observed between the stolon and aerial stem, particularly regarding the arrangement of vascular tissues and the deposition of starch granules. Gravity-responsive genes, including PRAF/RLD FAMILY MEMBER (RLD), SCARECROW (SCR), SHOOT-ROOT (SHR), BRX-LIKE4 (BRXL4), and PIN-FORMED3 (PIN3), demonstrated conserved domains and distribution patterns across various species, whereas LAZY family genes displayed diverse domain distributions. The expressions of gravity-responsive genes were found to be tissue-specific and regulated by light signals. Functional verification of the StLAZY1-1 gene in transgenic potato lines demonstrated significant alterations in plant height and stolon number when compared to wild-type plants. Conclusion The key gravity-responsive regulatory gene StLAZY1-1 in potato influences plant height and the number of stolons.

Key words: potato, gravity response, LAZY1-1 gene, paraffin sectioning