Integrated metabolomics and transcriptomics analysis of lignin synthesis in wheat (Triticum aestivum) stems under low light conditions

Background: Low light stress (e.g., caused by close planting) reduces lignin accumulation in wheat stems, increasing lodging risk. However, the molecular mechanism underlying lignin synthesis regulation in wheat stems under low light remains unclear. Experimental design: We collected stem samples of wheat (cultivar Xinong 979) from three treatments: 1) Sparse planting (SP, normal light, control); 2) Close planting (CP, low light stress); 3) Close planting with supplementary light (CP+L, light recovery). For each sample, we performed RNA sequencing (transcriptomics) and metabolomics analysis. Purpose: This project aims to reveal the transcriptional and metabolic regulatory network of lignin synthesis in wheat stems in response to light intensity changes, providing candidate genes for improving wheat lodging resistance under low light.