RNA-Seq analysis of single and combined stress (salt/ozone) in Quercus ilex leaves

Holm oaks (Quercus ilex L.) provide a physiological, ecological and social service in the urban environment. However this species undergo to several abiotic factors that negatively influence plant life, such as salt and ozone stress. For the first time we performed a gene expression analysis for this species when subjected to salt, ozone and a combination of the two. The comparison of gene expression between the combined salt + ozone treatment and salt or ozone alone showed that even though many differentially expressed genes overlap all treatments, combined stress triggered a unique response in terms of gene expression modification. The obtained results represent a useful tool for studies aiming to investigate the effects of environmental stresses in urban-adapted tree species.