Integrated Transcriptomics and Metabolomics Analyses Provide Insights into Qingke in Response to Cold Stress

The
survival and productivity of qingke in high altitude (>4300
m, average yearly temperature <0 °C) of the Tibetan Plateau
are significantly impacted by low-temperature stress. Uncovering the
mechanisms underlying low-temperature stress response in cold-tolerant
qingke varieties is crucial for qingke breeding. Herein, we conducted
a comprehensive transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis on cold-sensitive
(ZQ) and cold-tolerant (XL) qingke varieties under chilling and freezing
treatments and identified lipid metabolism pathways as enriched in
response to freezing treatment. Additionally, a significant positive
correlation was observed between the expression of C-repeat (CRT)
binding factor 10A (HvCBF10A) and Gly-Asp-Ser-Leu-motif lipase (HvGDSL) and the accumulation of multiple lipids. Functional
analysis confirmed that HvCBF10A directly binds to HvGDSL, and silencing HvCBF10A resulted in a significant decrease in both HvGDSL and lipid levels, consequently impairing the cold
tolerance. Overall, HvCBF10A and HvGDSL are functional
units in actively regulating lipid metabolism to enhance freezing
stress tolerance in qingke.