Development of an efficient expression system with large cargo capacity for interrogation of gene function in bamboo based on bamboo mosaic virus

Bamboo is one of the fastest growing plants among monocotyledonous species and is grown extensively in subtropical regions.Although bamboo has high economic value and produces much biomass quickly,gene functional research is hindered by the low efficiency of genetic transformation in this species.We therefore explored the potential of a bamboo mosaic virus(BaMV)-mediated expression system to investigate genotype-phenotype associations.We determined that the sites between the triple gene block proteins(TGBps)and the coat protein(CP)of BaMV are the most efficient insertion sites for the expression of exogenous genes in both monopodial and sympodial bamboo species.Moreover,we validated this system by individually overexpressing the two endogenous genes ACE1 and DEC1,which resulted in the promotion and suppression of intemode elongation,respectively.In particular,this system was able to drive the expression of three 2A-linked betalain biosynthesis genes(more than 4 kb in length)to produce betalain,indicating that it has high cargo capacity and may provide the prerequisite basis for the development of a DNA-free bamboo genome editing platform in the future.Since BaMV can infect multiple bamboo species,we anticipate that the system described in this study will greatly contribute to gene function research and further promote the molecular breeding of bamboo.

Multi-omics of Circular RNAs and Their Responses to Hormones in Moso Bamboo(Phyllostachys edulis)

Circular RNAs(circRNAs)are endogenous non-coding RNAs with covalently closed structures,which have important functions in plants.However,their biogenesis,degradation,and function upon treatment with gibberellins(GAs)and auxins(1-naphthaleneacetic acid,NAA)remain unknown.Here,we systematically identified and characterized the expression patterns,evolutionary conservation,genomic features,and internal structures of circRNAs using RNase R-treated libraries from moso bamboo(Phyllostachys edulis)seedlings.Moreover,we investigated the biogenesis of circRNAs dependent on both cis-and trans-regulation.We explored the function of circRNAs,including their roles in regulating microRNA(miRNA)-related genes and modulating the alternative splicing of their linear counterparts.Importantly,we developed a customized degradome sequencing approach to detect miRNA-mediated cleavage of circRNAs.Finally,we presented a comprehensive view of the participation of circRNAs in the regulation of hormone metabolism upon treatment of bamboo seedlings with GA and NAA.Collectively,our study provides insights into the biogenesis,function,and miRNA-mediated degradation of circRNAs in moso bamboo.