Comparative analysis of bud dormancy gene regulatory networks in annual and perennial plants

The plasticity of shoot development underpins adaptation to environmental changes via regulation of axillary bud dormancy status through complex gene regulatory networks (GRNs). We identified conserved and derived components of bud dormancy GRNs by comparative analyses of gene co-expression networks (GCNs) and DNA-affinity purification sequencing in temperate, subtropical, or tropical annuals or perennials (arabidopsis, pea, almond, macadamia, mango, avocado). Our results identified a level of functional conservation in the absence of sequence conservation for hormone, sugar and stress-response genes and highlight key dormancy regulatory targets.