Downregulation of the GhROD1 Gene Improves Cotton Fiber Fineness by Decreasing Acyl Pool Saturation, Stimulating Small Heat Shock Proteins (sHSPs), and Reducing H2O2 Production

Cotton fiber is one of the most important natural fiber sources in the world, and lipid metabolism plays a critical role in its development. However, the specific role of lipid molecules in fiber development and the impact of fatty acid alterations on fiber quality remain largely unknown. In this study, we demonstrate that the downregulation of <i>GhROD1</i>, a gene encoding phosphatidylcholine diacylglycerol cholinephosphotransferase (PDCT), results in an improvement of fiber fineness. We found that <i>GhROD1</i> downregulation significantly increases the proportion of linoleic acid (18:2) in cotton fibers, which subsequently upregulates genes encoding small heat shock proteins (sHSPs). This, in turn, reduces H₂O₂ production, thus delaying secondary wall deposition and leading to finer fibers. Our findings reveal how alterations in linoleic acid influence cellulose synthesis and suggest a potential strategy to improve cotton fiber quality by regulating lipid metabolism pathways.