The overexpression of the switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) genes PvTOC1-N or PvLHY-K affects circadian rhythm and hormone metabolism in transgenic Arabidopsis seedlings

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) is a perennial C4 warm-season grass known for its high-biomass yield and wide environmental adaptability, making it an ideal bioenergy crop. Despite its potential, switchgrass seedlings grow slowly, often losing out to weeds in field conditions and producing limited biomass in the first year of planting. Furthermore, during the reproductive growth stage, the above-ground biomass rapidly increases in lignin content, creating a significant saccharification barrier. Previous studies have identified rhythm-related genes TOC1 and LHY as crucial to the slow seedling development in switchgrass, yet the precise regulatory functions of these genes remain largely unexplored. In this study, the genes TOC1 and LHY were characterized within the tetraploid genome of switchgrass. Gene expression analysis revealed that PvTOC1 and PvLHY exhibit circadian patterns under normal growth conditions, with opposing expression levels over time. PvTOC1 genes were predominantly expressed in florets, vascular bundles, and seeds, while PvLHY genes showed higher expression in stems, leaf sheaths, and nodes. Overexpression of PvTOC1 from the N chromosome group (PvTOC1-N) or PvLHY from the K chromosome group (PvLHY-K) in Arabidopsis thaliana led to alterations in circadian rhythm and hormone metabolism, resulting in shorter roots, delayed flowering, and decreased resistance to oxidative stress. These transgenic lines exhibited reduced sensitivity to hormones and hormone inhibitors, and displayed altered gene expression in the biosynthesis and signal transduction pathways of abscisic acid (ABA), gibberellin (GA), 3-indoleacetic acid (IAA), and strigolactone (SL). These findings highlight roles of PvTOC1-N and PvLHY-K in plant development and offer a theoretical foundation for genetic improvements in switchgrass and other crops.