Flow cytometry-based cell cycle synchronization and transcriptome analysis in cotton (Gossypium arboretum L.)

Cell cycle plays an important role in plant growth and development. Synchronization of cell cycle will help us to elucidate the molecular mechanisms regulating cell cycle and further understand the cell growth and development for various purposes, including crop improvement. However, there are few reports on cell cycle synchronization and its application on transcriptome analysis. In this study, we first developed a cell cycle synchronization technology using flow cytometry technology; then, we deeply sequenced the synchronized cells for studying the gene expression profiling during cell cycle, using cotton as an example, one of the most important fiber and oil crops. Through GO and KEGG enrichment analysis, we obtained some important genes related to cell cycle, including genes associated with hormone and MAPK signal transduction pathways. Our results also showed that tubulin family plays an important role in the cell cycle. This study revealed the differences of gene expression in different cell cycles in cotton for the first time. This study lays a foundation for in-depth understanding of the molecular mechanism and interaction network during cell cycle.