Comparative Transcriptome Analysis between Embryogenic and Non-Embryogenic Callus of Davidia involucrata
Round 1
Reviewer 1 Report
The manuscript “Comparative transcriptome analysis between embryogenic and non-embryogenic callus of Davidia involucrata” aimed to conduct comparative transcriptome analysis between embryogenic and non-embryogenic callus of Davidia involucrata.
The manuscript is prepared professionally. It includes a well-crafted abstract and an exhaustive introduction that justifies the research undertaken. The introduction points to the deficiencies in the literature on the subject. The aim is clearly defined. Modern analytical methods were used in the research. The discussion of the results is well prepared. The conclusions are well-defined. The illustrative material is appropriate.
Detailed comments:
Abstract: A little bit long and must be decreased by using obtained numeric data from results.
Do not use abbreviations when used first time.
L 42-44 It has several advantages, including a high reproductive coefficient and short reproductive cycle, which allow for the rapid expansion of a small number of 43 high-quality seeds [4].
The following references are just some suggestions you may look upon.
Ghahremani, R.; Daylami, S.D.; Mirmasoumi, M.; Askari, N.; Vahdati, K. Refining a protocol for somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration of Phalaenopsis amabilis cv. Jinan from mature tissues. Turk. J. Agric. For. 2021, 45 (3), 356-364. https://doi.org/10.3906/tar-2004-107.
Amani, M.R., Zebarjadi, A., Kahrizi, D. et al. Somatic embryogenesis and β-glucuronidase transformation in chickpea (Cicer arietinum cv. Bivanich). Mol Biol Rep 49, 11219–11227 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11033-022-07450-w
Author Response
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Author Response File: 
Author Response.pdf
Reviewer 2 Report
Davidia involucrata is native plant species found in China, it is a rare and endangered wild plant known for ornamental use. In this MS authors performed transcriptomic study using Illumina RNA sequencing platform of embryogenic callus (EC) and non-embryogenic callus (NEC). The data found over 131,000 unigenes assembled from EC and NEC, and 12,806 differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Authors verified transcriptomic data using qRT-PCR of some key genes Aux, IAA, ARF, GH3, AHP, ARR, CYCD, BBM, WUS, GRF, SERK, and WOX expressed in EC and NEC. The findings provide novel insights into the biological activity of the screened gene families in Davidia involucrata plant and could be utilized for preservation. The somatic embryogenesis is advantageous for high large-scale production and preservation of plant species. The study could be explored further for its commercial value horticultural crop landscaping.
The describe a timely theme and provide scientifically sound data with reproducible results.
Few comments:
A. Figure 1. Please elaborate the caption of this figure and describe the results in caption.
B. Figure 2. The bar graphs could be shown in gray scale and if possible author could depict error bars too.
C. Remaining all figures’ caption need to be elaborated and described in detail.
D. Figure 9. Increase the font size of gene IDs.
E. Figure 11. Provide high resolution and large size graphs, add error bars too.
F. Scientific literature could be updated with relevant citation, for example, genetic diversity assessment in horticultural crops following studies could be useful for introduction and discussion:
1. Assessment of genetic diversity and volatile content of commercially grown banana (Musa spp.) cultivars, Hinge et al., Scientific Reports, 2022; https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-11992-1
2. For transcriptomic and gene expression analysis I suggest some key studies: Kadam, U.S., Lossie, A.C., Schulz, B., Irudayaraj, J. (2013). Gene Expression Analysis Using Conventional and Imaging Methods. In: Erdmann, V., Barciszewski, J. (eds) DNA and RNA Nanobiotechnologies in Medicine: Diagnosis and Treatment of Diseases. RNA Technologies. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-36853-0_6
Language content is acceptable.
Author Response
Please see the attachment.
Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
