Transcriptional Profiling of Foxtail Millet Tissues Reveals the High-expression Genes of the Pollen

Pollen development and germination play a crucial role in the sexual reproduction of plants. This study analysis of transcriptional dynamics of foxtail millet pollen with other tissues and organs (ovule, glume, seedling and root) through RNA-sequencing revealed that a total of 940 genes were highly expressed in foxtail millet pollen. Based on this, we analyzed the genes involved in pollen tube growth of receptor kinases and small peptides, calcium signaling, small G proteins, vesicle transport, cytoskeleton, cell wall correlation, and transcription factors that are highly expressed in pollen. At the same time, we compared the gene expression of foxtail millet pollen and mature anthers, and found that a large number of transcription factors were specific expressed in mature anthers. In addition, we verified the accuracy of the transcriptome data using RT-qPCR. Finally, employed the as-ODN system found that inhibiting SiPME67 expression would cause abnormal growth of pollen tube subapical. In summary, we preliminarily analyzed the genes that were highly expressed in foxtail millet pollen, which provided a reference for understanding the male sterility mechanism of foxtail millet in the future and theoretical basis for creating new male sterility lines.