Transcriptome analysis and characterization of genes associated to leaf tannin content in foxtail millet [Setaria italica (L.) P. Beauv.]

Background Chinese chestnut is an economically important tree species whose yield and quality are seriously affected by red spider attack. Tannins is one of the most important class secondary metabolites in plants, and is closely associated with plant defense mechanisms against insect and herbivory. In our previous studies, it was revealed that several low-tannin foxtail millet varieties growing under the Chinese chestnut trees could attract red spiders to feed on their leaves and protect the chestnut trees from the infestation of red spiders, meanwhile, the growth and yield of foxtail millet plants themselves were not greatly affected. Results To identify genes related to leaf tannin content and selection of foxtail millet germplasm resources with low tannin content for interplanting with Chinese chestnut and preventing the red spider attack, the leaves of 4 varieties with different levels of tannin content were harvested for comparative transcriptome analysis. In total, 335 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. For acquisition of gene functions and biological pathways they involved in, gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were performed, and several DEGs were found to possibly participate in the tannins biosynthesis pathway and transport processes of precursors. In addition, according to the PlantTFDB database, some transcription factors were predicted among the DEGs, suggesting their role in regulation of tannins biosynthesis pathway. Conclusion Our results provide valuable gene resources for understanding the biosynthesis and regulation mechanisms of tannins in foxtail millet, and pave the way for speeding up the breeding of low-tannin varieties through marker-assisted selection, which could be utilized for interplanting with Chinese chestnut trees to confer protection against red spider attack.