A Comparative Analysis of Transcription Networks Active in Juvenile and Mature Wood in Populus

Juvenile wood (JW) and mature (MW) have distinct physical chemical characters, resulting from formation at different development phases over tree lifespan. However, the regulatory mechanisms that distinguish or modulate characteristics of JW MW in relation to each other not been mapped. In this study, by employing Populus trees with an identical genetic background, we carried out RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) whole genome bisulfite (WGBS) forming tissue analyzed transcriptional programs association phrases. displayed properties, including higher content cellulose hemicelluloses, less lignin, longer larger fiber cells vessel elements as compared JW. Significant differences patterns DNA methylation were detected between MW. The concentrated gene networks involved regulating hormonal signaling pathways responsible for auxin distribution brassinosteroids biosynthesis well genes active cell expansion secondary wall biosynthesis. An observed correlation expression profiling indicated affected related signal transduction, JW, formation. results suggest distribution, biosynthesis, be critical molecular modules plays a role formatting which contribute phases. study sheds light into better understanding underlying regulation properties would informative manipulation improvement