We have developed a multi-layer pipeline that uses transcriptomic data to identify candidate genes associated with complex pathways in plants. We used this multi-layer approach, incorporating microarray, RNA sequencing, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and protein-protein interaction analyses, to identify 14 genes associated with drought tolerance in potato. We generated transgenic potato lines that over-express bZIP28, one of the genes selected by our pipeline, to confirm the involvement of that gene in drought tolerance. The protein interactions of the products of the screened genes were assessed using yeast two-hybrid and bimolecular fluorescence complementation analyses. Overall, this study demonstrated the utility of our multi-layer approach for deciphering complex biosynthetic pathways using transcriptomic data.

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• Knockdown of 60S ribosomal protein L14-2 reveals their potential regulatory roles to enhance drought and salt tolerance in cotton
  Margaret Linyerera SHIRAKU, Richard Odongo MAGWANGA, Xiaoyan CAI, Joy Nyangasi KIRUNGU, Yanchao XU, Teame Gereziher MEHARI, Yuqing HOU, Yuhong WANG, Kunbo WANG, Renhai PENG, Zhongli ZHOU, Fang LIU
  Journal of Cotton Research.2021;[Epub]     CrossRef