Transcriptome and metabolome analysis of the responses of salt resistance of different Helianthus annuus germplasms to melatonin

The results showed that there were 530 differentially expressed genes (37 upregulated genes and 493 down-regulated genes) in <i>H. annuus</i> leaves in MK vs. K, and these genes were mainly involved in fatty acids, diterpenoid biosynthesis, linolenic acid metabolism, cysteine and methionine metabolism. There were 60 differentially abundant metabolites (17 up-regulated metabolites and 43 downregulated metabolites) in leaves in MK vs. K, mainly concentrating in tryptophan metabolism, biosynthesis of amino acids, biosynthesis of secondary metabolites and metabolic pathways. The integrated transcriptome and metabolome analysis results showed that melatonin regulated the b-alanine metabolism, monoterpene biosynthesis, and glutathione metabolism pathways, and increased the contents of spermine and spermidine in cells by promoting the expression of genes such as <i>HannXRQ_Chr07g0195521</i> and <i>HannXRQ_Chr03g0093321</i> in the b-alanine metabolic pathway. In summary, melatonin could enhance salt stress signaling by up-regulating the expression of genes related to the synthesis of spermine and spermidine in <i>H. annuus</i> leaves, to regulate photosynthesis and reactive oxygen species metabolism, ultimately enhancing the salt resistance of <i>H. annuus</i>. This study will advance understanding of mechanism by which melatonin enhances salt resistance of H. annuus, and provide a scientific basis for the breeding of saltresistant <i>H. annuus</i> cultivars.