Differential alteration of gene expression by benzyl adenine and meta-topolin in in vitro apple shoots

The effects of benzyl adenine and meta-topolin on mRNA transcription in in vitro shoots were analyzed by using mRNA-seq, bioinformatics analysis, GO annotation and KEGG mapping. Present investigations revealed that there were about 6-fold more significantly up-, or down-regulated genes (DEGs) in shoots grown on BA-containing medium than in those grown on TOP-containing medium. DEG analyses showed that WRKYs, bHLH and MYB were the most affected transcription factors after both CK treatments, while the expression of MIKC-type MADS-box, ERF and AP2 transcription factors changed only after BA treatment. DEGs related to auxin transport and signaling, as well as auxin synthesis were differently affected by the two cytokinins. DEG encoding cytokinin hydroxylase like protein and related to trans-zeatin biosynthesis was up-regulated only after BA treatment. DEG encoding gibberellin 20 oxidase 2-like was down-regulated after BA-suply while up-regulated after TOP-supply.