RNA-seq analysis of non-photosynthteic Ericaceae plant, Monotropastrum humile

To obtain novel insights in non-photosynthetic plant by focusing on plastid and peroxisome functions, we have conducted transcriptome analysis of non-photosynthetic Ericaceae plant, Monotropastrum humile. The comparison with the transcriptome data of photosynthetic Ericaceae plant, Enkianthus perulatus demonstrated that most of genes involved in plastid function such as photosynthesis, carbon fixation, chlorophyll biosynthesis, phylloquinone biosynthesis and plastid division were not expressed or expressed at low levels. These results propose that plastid function in M. humile is severely compromised. The peroxisomal genes for photorespiration were revealed to be not expressed in M. humile, whereas other peroxisomal genes such as biogenesis, detoxification of hydrogen peroxide and fatty acid metabolism were expressed in this plant. These results suggest that photorespiration is not required in M. humile. In contrast, peroxisomes themselves are present in this plant, since peroxisomes have various roles in cells. This is the first repot providing clear insights into plastid and peroxisome functions in non-photosynthetic plant.