The salt-responsive transcriptome of Populus simonii × Populus nigra via DGE

In this study, the dynamic transcriptome of poplar (Populus simonii × Populus nigra) was investigated under salt stress using Solexa/illumine digital gene expression (DGE) technique. A total of 5453, 2372, and 1770 genes were shown to be differentially expressed after exposure to NaCl for 3 days, 6 days and 9 days, respectively. Differential expression patterns throughout salt stress were identified for 572 genes. Gene ontology classification analysis of these differentially expressed genes revealed that numerous genes mapped to “transporter activity” and “response to stress”. The dynamic transcriptome expression profiles of poplar under salt stress obtained in this study may provide useful insights for further analysis of the mechanism of high salinity tolerance in plants. Furthermore, these differentially expressed genes under salt stress may allow identification of potential genes as suitable targets for biotechnological manipulation with the aim of improving poplar salt tolerance.

► The dynamic transcriptome of poplar under salt stress was reported.
► 572 differentially expressed genes throughout salt stress had been identified.
► GO term “transporter activity” and “response to stress” was abundant.