Physiological, biochemical and proteomics analysis reveals the adaptation strategies of the alpine plant Potentilla saundersiana at altitude gradient of the Northwestern Tibetan Plateau

This study investigated the adaptation of the alpine plant Potentilla saundersiana to the altitude gradient in the Northwestern Tibetan Plateau. Our proteomics and physiological data demonstrated that P. saundersiana uses multiple strategies to adapt to alpine environmental stress, including 1) modulating root architecture, leaf phenotype, photosynthesis capability, and cell wall structure; 2) regulating primary and secondary metabolites (such as sugar, proline, and flavones) and plant hormone synthesis; 3) activating downstream defense response and antioxidant enzyme activities; and 4) initiating novel proteasome- or autophagy-mediated protein degradation mechanisms. Therefore, we conclude that the alpine plant P. saundersiana evolved multiple strategies to adapt to environmental stress at high altitudes.305