High-resolution temporal transcriptome sequencing unravels ERF and WRKY as the master players in the regulatory networks underlying sesame responses to waterlogging and recovery.

Major crops are generally sensitive to waterlogging, but our limited understanding of the waterlogging gene regulatory network hinders the efforts to develop waterlogging-tolerant cultivars. We generated high-resolution temporal transcriptome data from root of two contrasting sesame genotypes over a 48 h period waterlogging and drainage treatments. Three distinct chronological transcriptional phases were identified, including the early-waterlogging, late-waterlogging and drainage responses.

Root diversity in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.): insights into the morphological, anatomical and gene expression profiles.

Sesame harbors a large diversity in root morphological and anatomical traits and a high root biomass improves the plant aboveground biomass as well as the seed yield. Sesame provides one of the most nutritious and healthy vegetable oils, sparking an increasing demand of its seeds. However, with the low yield and productivity of sesame, there is still a huge gap between the seed demand and supply.

The contrasting response to drought and waterlogging is underpinned by divergent DNA methylation programs associated with transcript accumulation in sesame.

DNA methylation is a heritable epigenetic mechanism that participates in gene regulation under abiotic stresses in plants. Sesame (Sesamum indicum) is typically considered a drought-tolerant crop but highly susceptible to waterlogging, probably because of its origin in Africa or India. Understanding DNA methylation patterns under drought and waterlogging conditions can provide insights into the regulatory mechanisms underlying sesame contrasting responses to these abiotic stresses.

Identification and characterization of the bZIP transcription factor family and its expression in response to abiotic stresses in sesame.

Basic leucine zipper (bZIP) gene family is one of the largest transcription factor families in plants, and members of this family play important roles in multiple biological processes such as light signaling, seed maturation, flower development as well as abiotic and biotic stress responses. Nonetheless, genome-wide comprehensive analysis of the bZIP family is lacking in the important oil crop sesame. In the present study, 63 bZIP genes distributed on 14 linkage groups were identified in sesame, and denominated as SibZIP01-SibZIP63.

Functional Characterization of the Versatile MYB Gene Family Uncovered Their Important Roles in Plant Development and Responses to Drought and Waterlogging in Sesame.

The gene family constitutes one of the largest transcription factors (TFs) modulating various biological processes in plants. Although genome-wide analysis of this gene family has been carried out in some species, only three members have been functionally characterized heretofore in sesame ( L.).