Transcriptome Sequencing and Analysis of Leaves in Neolamarckia cadamba with Different Ploidy Levels

Neolamarckia cadamba , a fast-growing tree species, is of great significance due to its economic and ecological values. However, the genetic mechanisms underlying the growth and adaptation of N. cadamba , particularly in relation to different ploidy levels, remain largely unexplored. Specifically, the genetic basis for adaptation to different ploidy levels and the corresponding transcriptional differences among these ploidy levels have not been well studied. This necessitates further investigation. In this study, transcriptome sequencing and analysis are conducted in N. cadamba leaves with different ploidy levels to explore the genetic basis of its growth and adaptation to different ploidy levels. Using RNA-seq technology, we generated a comprehensive transcriptome dataset and identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with ploidy variations. The results showed significant differences in gene expression patterns between tetraploid and octoploid samples, especially in genes related to growth, metabolism, and stress response. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that these DEGs were mainly involved in pathways such as cell cycle regulation, photosynthesis, and secondary metabolism. The findings provide valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the phenotypic differences observed in N. cadamba with varying ploidy levels. This study not only contributes to the understanding of the genetic basis of ploidy effects in plants but also lays a foundation for future research on the improvement of N. cadamba through genetic manipulation.