Identification and Analysis of the FAD Gene Family in Walnuts (Juglans regia L.) Based on Transcriptome Data
Abstract Background Walnut fatty acids, the main component of walnut kernels, contain a large amount of unsaturated fatty acids, such as linoleic acid and linolenic acid, which are essential fatty acids in humans and have important effects on human growth and health. Fatty acid desaturase (FAD) is widely distributed throughout the biological world. Its main function is to remove hydrogen from carbon chains in the biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids to synthesize C=C double bonds.Results In the current research, 25 members of the JrFAD gene family were identified by bioinformatics analysis; the expression of fatty acid synthesis genes in walnut kernels at different developmental stages was analysed by transcriptome sequencing, and the expression of JrFAD3-1 , an enzyme gene for linolenic acid synthesis, was particularly prominent. The results showed that the relative expression level of FAD3-1 changed dramatically with the kernel development stage, and the expression changes showed a "bell shape". There was a significant positive correlation between the expression of JrFAD3-1 from 90-100 days after anthesis and the content of alpha-linolenic acid from 100-130 days after anthesis, with a correlation coefficient of 0.991. JrFAD3-1 can be considered closely related to Betula pendula and Corylus heterophylla .Conclusion 25 walnut kernels FAD genes were identified and comprehensive analyzed for the first time. The function of a walnut kernels FAD3-1 gene was also characterized from its location in the phylogeny. This work lays a theoretical foundation for the regulation of unsaturated fatty acid synthesis and provide techniques and methods for the creation of new germplasm.