Dissecting wheat epitranscriptome and proteome under salt stress characterizes an m6A reader gene vital for salinity adaptation

Abstract

Abstract Soil salinization is a major abiotic stress limiting wheat production. Although transcriptional responses to salt stress are well-studied, the role of posttranscriptional regulation, particularly through RNA modifications, remains unclear in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Here, we present an integrated analysis of the early salt stress response using Nanopore direct RNA sequencing and quantitative proteomics. We generated genome-wide maps of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modifications, concurrently profiling alternative polyadenylation events and poly(A) tail length dynamics. This multiomics approach characterizes coordinated epitranscriptomic reprogramming and enabled the construction of a regulatory network linking m6A marks to proteomic changes. Furthermore, we identified and functionally validated the putative m6A reader protein EVOLUTIONARILY CONSERVED C-TERMINAL REGION 5 (TaECT5) as a positive regulator of wheat salt tolerance. Our study provides a systems-level view of posttranscriptional regulation during salt stress in wheat and identifies potential targets for enhancing salt tolerance.