RNA-seq and host-depleted root metatranscriptome data of maize genotypes differing in drought tolerance and arbuscular mycorrhizal responsiveness

Description

This dataset contains raw high-throughput sequencing reads derived from root tissues of maize (Zea mays L.) genotypes contrasting in drought tolerance: the drought-tolerant line K1, the drought-sensitive line K2, and their hybrid (KH). Plants were grown under controlled conditions with or without inoculation by the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus Funneliformis mosseae. Root samples were collected at defined developmental stages during progressive soil drying. The dataset includes (i) total root RNA-seq libraries for host transcriptome profiling (RNAreads.fastq.gz) and (ii) host-depleted metatranscriptomic libraries enriched for fungal and microbiome transcripts (Unmapped.fastq.gz). Sequencing was performed using an Illumina platform, generating paired-end reads suitable for differential gene expression, pathway analysis, and symbiosis-related transcript profiling. These data support the analysis of genotype-specific drought responses, mycorrhiza-mediated modulation of stress signaling, root developmental regulation, and symbiotic nutrient transport processes in maize.

Steps to reproduce

Root transcriptomic profiling was conducted following a methodology consistent with our previous study (Virág, Zombori et al. 2025). In brief, the samples for the RNA isolation were collected from roots of maize plants at an identical part of the root system, and frozen immediately in liquid nitrogen. The samples were ground in a mortar into fine powder, and approx 50-75 µg of this material was used for total RNA isolation. The procedure was carried out using E.Z.N.A.® Fungal RNA Mini Kit (Omega Bio-tek Inc., Norcross, GA, USA) following the manufacturer’s instructions. RNA integrity number, RIN ≥ 7 was determined before sequencing. Sequencing libraries were prepared using Illumina TruSeq kits and sequenced on an Illumina platform to generate paired-end reads.

Institutions

• University of Debrecen

  Hajdú-Bihar, Debrecen

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