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Introduction Multiple-stress is defined as the simultaneous or sequential exposure of plants to multiple abiotic constraints, which triggers regulatory programs that differ fundamentally from single-stress responses. In potato ( Solanum tuberosum L.), drought, salinity, heat, and cold severely impair tuber development, yet the molecular architecture underlying resilience to combined stress remains unclear. We hypothesized that multi-stress conditions activate an integrated regulatory network linking tuber induction with stress-responsive metabolic and redox pathways. Methods RNA-seq profiling of microtuberization under combined osmotic, salinity, heat, and cold stress was performed. Differential expression analysis identified shared differentially expressed genes (DEGs). A subset of upregulated genes was used for protein–protein interaction (PPI) network construction. Comparative regulatory analyses were performed, and selected genes were validated by qPCR. Statistical analyses were conducted to assess differential expression and network enrichment. Results A total of 2,046 shared DEGs were identified, including 1,212 upregulated and 834 downregulated genes. A PPI network constructed from 1,475 unique upregulated genes revealed 317 highly interconnected components. Network analysis identified the StSP6A–FD tuberigen complex as a central regulatory hub integrating developmental signaling with phenylpropanoid metabolism, oxylipin biosynthesis, and redox regulation. Multiple components were associated with hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) signaling, suggesting redox–gasotransmitter integration. Discussion Comparative regulatory analysis revealed conservation of the ERF–NAC–MYB–bZIP transcription factor framework, along with expansion of stress-responsive modules. Collectively, these findings establish a mechanistic framework linking tuber induction with adaptive metabolic remodeling under multi-stress conditions.
Herrera-Isidrón et al. (Fri,) studied this question.