Global warming has significant impacts on the timing of important phenological events such as leafing, flowering, and fruiting. Understanding the mechanisms of phenological changes in response to climate warming is crucial in preparation for adaptation strategies in time to come.
　To elucidate the genetic response of phenological changes, we analyzed seasonal dynamics of global gene expression profiles in buds of the cherry tree Cerasus × yedoensis “Somei-yoshino” between three different latitudes in Japan. Hierarchical clustering identified several gene expression profiles that characterize different seasons, which were mostly explained by temperature variation. Analysis of temperature and gene expression data revealed two distinct groups of genes: group I that responded to relatively short-term fluctuations and group II to seasonal fluctuations in temperature. The gene ontology analysis suggested that the group I was involved in light, heat, and stress responses, while the group II associated with low temperature response and dormancy. Interestingly, one of the six dormancy-related MADS-box DAM genes in Prunus, was included in the group II, and its expression showed early timing of suppression at high latitude areas.
　Overall, the study identified several candidate genes that regulate phenological changes from endo- to eco-dormancy in response to climate warning.