Seed germination is characterized by a constant change of gene expression across different time points. These changes are related to specific processes, which eventually determine the onset of seed germination. To get a better understanding on the regulation of gene expression during seed germination, we performed a quantitative trait locus mapping of gene expression (eQTL) at four important seed germination stages (primary dormant, after-ripened, six-hour after imbibition, and radicle protrusion stage) using Arabidopsis thaliana Bay x Sha recombinant inbred lines (RILs). The mapping displayed the distinctness of the eQTL landscape for each stage. We found several eQTL hotspots across stages associated with the regulation of expression of a large number of genes. Interestingly, an eQTL hotspot on chromosome five collocates with hotspots for phenotypic and metabolic QTL in the same population. Finally, we constructed a gene co-expression network to prioritize the regulatory genes for two major eQTL hotspots. The network analysis prioritizes transcription factors DEWAX and ICE1 as the most likely regulatory genes for the hotspot. Together, we have revealed that the genetic regulation of gene expression is dynamic along the course of seed germination.

种子发芽的特征是在不同时间点基因表达的恒定变化。这些变化与特定过程有关，这些过程最终决定了种子发芽的开始。为了更好地了解种子发芽过程中基因表达的调控，我们在四个重要的种子发芽阶段（初生休眠，熟后，吸水后六小时和胚根）进行了基因表达（eQTL）的定量性状基因座图伸出阶段）使用拟南芥Bay x Sha重组自交系（RIL）。映射显示了每个阶段的eQTL格局的独特性。我们发现跨阶段的多个eQTL热点与大量基因表达的调节有关。有趣的是，在同一染色体上，第5号染色体上的eQTL热点与表型和代谢QTL的热点并列。最后，我们构建了一个基因共表达网络，以区分两个主要eQTL热点的调控基因的优先级。网络分析将转录因子DEWAX和ICE1作为热点最可能的调控基因。在一起，我们已经揭示了基因表达的遗传调控在种子萌发过程中是动态的。