Integration of ATAC-seq and RNA-seq identifies novel candidate genes associated with drought tolerance in Zoysia japonica Steud.

HighlightIntegration of ATAC-seq and RNA-seq identifies novel candidate genes associated with drought tolerance in Zoysia japonica Steud. The warm-season turfgrass Zoysia japonica is renowned for its drought resistance and serves as an exceptional domestic turfgrass in China. In order to unlock the potential of this native grass, identify drought-resistant genes, enhance the genetic transformation system, and maximize its utilization benefits, we conducted physiological characterization, multi-omics analysis, and RT-qPCR experimental verification in Zoysia japonica. This study suggested that 63 high-confidence genes related to drought stress and 6 motifs regulating drought responses were identified using a combined omics approach and RT-qPCR validation. The study discovered a positive correlation between ATAC-Seq peak intensity and gene expression levels. The expression of high-confidence genes was linked to Zoysia japonica resistance evaluation and phenotypic traits, implying that these genes are involved in responding to external drought stress. This study combined ATAC-seq and RNA-seq technologies for the first time to identify drought-related genes in Zoysia japonica, elucidating the grasss adaptation to environmental stress and the regulatory mechanisms underlying stress responses, and laying the groundwork for Zoysia japonica improvement and breeding.