Transcriptomic analysis reveals transcription factors involved in vascular bundle development and tissue maturation in ginger rhizomes (Zingiber officinale Roscoe)

Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) is an important vegetable with medicinal value. Rhizome development determines ginger yield and quality. However, little information available about the molecular features underlying rhizome expansion maturation. In this study, we investigated anatomy characteristics, lignin accumulation transcriptome profiles during development. young rhizomes, vascular bundle (VB) was generated only vessels in it, whereas matured three to five layers of fibre xylem were formed, resulting VB enlargement. It indicates favouring swelling. With matured, content remarkably elevated, thus facilitating tissue lignification. To explore regulators for development, nine libraries including rhizomes (GYR), growing (GGR), (GMR) established RNA-Seq, a total 1264 transcription factors (TFs) identified. Among them, 35, 116, 14 differentially expressed TFs obtained between GYR GGR, GMR, GGR respectively. These further divided into categories. ZobHLHs (homologs Arabidopsis LHW AtbHLH096) as well one DIVARICATA homolog might play crucial roles controlling Four ZoWRKYs two ZoNACs be potential associated Three ZoAP2/ERFs ZoARF participate via hormone signalling. This result provides basis maturation ginger.