Gene co-expression networks highlight key nodes associated with ammonium nitrate in sugarcane

This study aimed to investigate molecular mechanisms underlying nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) in sugarcane by analyzing transcriptome profiles of two genotypes (responsive, RB975375; non-responsive, RB937570) under contrasting nitrogen conditions, and along the leaf development gradient. Using RNA-seq data from 48 leaf segment samples, the analyses integrated gene co-expression network approaches to uncover genotype-specific regulatory modules and metabolic pathways linked to NUE. The responsive genotype prioritized carbon metabolism and defense under high nitrogen, while the non-responsive genotype activated photosynthesis and stress responses. Co-expression analysis revealed 44 nitrogen-responsive and 20 genotype-correlated modules.