Identification and characterization of circRNAs associated with cell wall formation in moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) based on multi-omics data

Cell wall structure and composition are important factors affecting the capabilities of bamboo wood and relies on extremely complex regulatory mechanisms. Circular RNA (circRNA), as a specialized non-coding RNA, play a vital role in plant growth. However, little has been explored about its function in regulating the cell wall formation mechanism. In this work, we verified that moso bamboo seedlings went through the process of primary to multilayered primary wall formation at 40 days by observing the cellular ultrastructure and determining the lignin content. 237 differentially expressed circRNAs (DEcircRNAs) were obtained by high-throughput sequencing and bioinformatics analysis. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses showed that these DEcircRNAs take part in many biological processes, mainly including response to stimuli, regulation of biological development and metabolism. Multi-omics analysis yielded that most of the differential genes were highly correlated with differential metabolites, and 36 DEcircRNAs adsorbed 61 microRNAs (miRNAs), and then regulate gene expression. The expression patterns of novel_circ_002484 and novel_circ_001532 and the localization of their parental genes in cells were analyzed via Reverse Transcription Quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) technology and subcellular localization experiments. The results of this study uncovered circRNAs that may be engaged in the moso bamboo cell wall biosynthesis and constructed a related regulatory network, which provide new ideas for the improvement of bamboo timber properties. •From 10–40 days of growth, the moso bamboo cell wall undergoes rapid development from primary to multilayered walls.•Analysis of non-coding RNAs, DEGs, and DEMs related to growth and development of moso bamboo based on multi-omics data.•Novel_circ_001532, novel_circ_002484 are two authentic circRNAs, both parental genes are localised in the nucleus.