Abstract
• Sequencing of the Populus trichocarpa genome creates an opportunity to describe
the transcriptome of a woody perennial species and establish an atlas of gene
expression. A comparison with the transcriptomes of other species can also define
genes that are conserved or diverging in plant species.
• Here, the transcriptome in vegetative organs of the P. trichocarpa reference
genotype Nisqually-1 was characterized. A comparison with Arabidopsis thaliana
orthologs was used to distinguish gene functional categories that may be evolving
differently in a woody perennial and an annual herbaceous species.
• A core set of genes expressed in common among vegetative organs was detected,
as well as organ-specific genes. Statistical tests identified chromatin domains, where
adjacent genes were expressed more frequently than expected by chance. Extensive
divergence was detected in the expression patterns of A. thaliana and P. trichocarpa
orthologs, but transcription of a small number of genes appeared to have remained
conserved in the two species.
• Despite separation of lineages for over 100 million yr, these results suggest that
selection has limited transcriptional divergence of genes associated with some
essential functions in A. thaliana and P. trichocarpa. However, extensive remodeling
of transcriptional networks indicates that expression regulation may be a key
determinant of plant diversity.
