Transcriptomics reveals the mechanism of action of ultrasonic treatment to promote mung bean(Vigna radiata L.) sprouting

The objective of this study was to investigate the germination status and nutrient composition of four mung bean varieties (PB05, PB08, PB10 and 10L717) using the ultrasound-assisted mung bean germination method. The findings indicated that ultrasound can promote mung bean germination and improve its nutritional value. Furthermore, the optimal conditions were determined through one-way experimental optimisation and response surface analysis. Additionally, a transcriptomic analysis was conducted, which revealed that the pivotal genes involved in the pertinent metabolic pathways exhibited differential expression. This finding was subsequently validated through RT-qPCR. Furthermore, in order to gain deeper insight into the underlying mechanism of ultrasound-mediated mung bean sprout germination, we have identified and characterised the key transcription factor VrbZIP34. To elucidate the mechanism of action of ultrasound in affecting mung bean sprout germination, we have conducted a series of dual luciferase assay (DLR) experiments to investigate the function of this transcription factor. In conclusion, the results of this experiment demonstrate that ultrasound-assisted mung bean germination can significantly improve the germination of mung bean sprouts. The underlying mechanism of action was analysed from the perspective of both transcriptomics and molecular biology. • Ultrasound improves the ability and nutrition of mung beans to germinate. • Ultrasound is optimal at a frequency of 73 kHZ, a power of 180 W and a time of 15 min. • Ultrasound treatment leads to differential expression of several genes in mung bean sprouts. • The ultrasound-mediated transcription factor VrbZIP34 is involved in JA regulation of germination through activation of VrAOC .