Identification and Characterization of the APX Gene Family and Its Expression Pattern under Phytohormone Treatment and Abiotic Stress in Populus trichocarpa

Ascorbate peroxidase (APX) is a member of class I of the heme-containing peroxidase family. The enzyme plays important roles in scavenging reactive oxygen species for protection against oxidative damage and maintaining normal plant growth and development, as well as in biotic stress responses. In this study, we identified 11 APX genes in the Populus trichocarpa genome using bioinformatic methods. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the PtrAPX proteins were classifiable into three clades and the members of each clade shared similar gene structures and motifs. The PtrAPX genes were distributed on six chromosomes and four segmental-duplicated gene pairs were identified. Promoter cis-elements analysis showed that the majority of PtrAPX genes contained a variety of phytohormone- and abiotic stress-related cis-elements. Tissue-specific expression profiles indicated that the PtrAPX genes primarily function in roots and leaves. Real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) analysis indicated that PtrAPX transcription was induced in response to drought, salinity, high ammonium concentration, and exogenous abscisic acid treatment. These results provide important information on the phylogenetic relationships and functions of the APX gene family in P. trichocarpa.

Download Full-text

Genome-Wide Analysis of the TCP Gene Family in Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.)

International Journal of Genomics ◽

10.1155/2019/8514928 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 2019 ◽

pp. 1-13 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Yuzhu Huo ◽

Wangdan Xiong ◽

Kunlong Su ◽

Yu Li ◽

Yawen Yang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Salt Stress ◽

Plant Growth ◽

Gene Family ◽

Stress Responses ◽

Panicum Virgatum ◽

Expression Profiles ◽

Specific Expression ◽

Genome Wide Analysis ◽

Genome Wide ◽

A Genome

The plant-specific transcription factor TCPs play multiple roles in plant growth, development, and stress responses. However, a genome-wide analysis of TCP proteins and their roles in salt stress has not been declared in switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.). In this study, 42 PvTCP genes (PvTCPs) were identified from the switchgrass genome and 38 members can be anchored to its chromosomes unevenly. Nine PvTCPs were predicted to be microRNA319 (miR319) targets. Furthermore, PvTCPs can be divided into three clades according to the phylogeny and conserved domains. Members in the same clade have the similar gene structure and motif localization. Although all PvTCPs were expressed in tested tissues, their expression profiles were different under normal condition. The specific expression may indicate their different roles in plant growth and development. In addition, approximately 20 cis-acting elements were detected in the promoters of PvTCPs, and 40% were related to stress response. Moreover, the expression profiles of PvTCPs under salt stress were also analyzed and 29 PvTCPs were regulated after NaCl treatment. Taken together, the PvTCP gene family was analyzed at a genome-wide level and their possible functions in salt stress, which lay the basis for further functional analysis of PvTCPs in switchgrass.

Download Full-text

The WD40 Gene Family in Potato (Solanum Tuberosum L.): Genome-Wide Analysis and Identification of Anthocyanin and Drought-Related WD40s

Agronomy ◽

10.3390/agronomy10030401 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (3) ◽

pp. 401

Author(s):

Zhen Liu ◽

Yuhui Liu ◽

Jeffrey A. Coulter ◽

Baoyun Shen ◽

Yuanming Li ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Abiotic Stress ◽

Solanum Tuberosum ◽

Gene Family ◽

Stress Responses ◽

Anthocyanin Biosynthesis ◽

Solanum Tuberosum L ◽

Interaction Network ◽

Purifying Selection ◽

Rna Seq ◽

Specific Expression

WD40 proteins, also known as WD40 domain proteins, constitute a large gene family in eukaryotes and play multiple roles in cellular processes. However, systematic identification and analysis of WD40 proteins have not yet been reported in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.). In the present study, 178 potato WD40 (StWD40) genes were identified and their distribution on chromosomes, gene structure, and conserved motifs were assessed. According to their structural and phylogenetic protein features, these 178 StWD40 genes were classified into 14 clusters and 10 subfamilies. Collinearity analysis showed that segmental duplication events played a major role in the expansion of the StWD40 gene family. Synteny analysis indicated that 45 and 23 pairs of StWD40 genes were orthologous to Arabidopsis and wheat (Triticum aestivum), respectively, and that these gene pairs evolved under strong purifying selection. RNA-seq data from different tissues and abiotic stresses revealed tissue-specific expression and abiotic stress-responsive StWD40 genes in doubled monoploid potato (DM). Furthermore, we further analyzed the WD40 genes might be involved in anthocyanin biosynthesis and drought stress in tetraploid potato cultivars based on RNA-seq data. In addition, a protein interaction network of two homologs of Arabidopsis TTG1, which is involved in anthocyanin biosynthesis, was constructed to identify proteins that might be related to anthocyanin biosynthesis. The result showed that there were 112 pairs of proteins interacting with TTG1, with 27 being differentially expressed in pigmented tissues. This study indicates that WD40 proteins in potato might be related to anthocyanin biosynthesis and abiotic stress responses.

Download Full-text

Genome-Wide Characterization of the sHsp Gene Family in Salix suchowensis Reveals Its Functions under Different Abiotic Stresses

International Journal of Molecular Sciences ◽

10.3390/ijms19103246 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 19 (10) ◽

pp. 3246 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Jianbo Li ◽

Jin Zhang ◽

Huixia Jia ◽

Zhiqiang Yue ◽

Mengzhu Lu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Gene Family ◽

Stress Responses ◽

Expression Profiles ◽

Expression Patterns ◽

Purifying Selection ◽

Molecular Characteristics ◽

Specific Expression ◽

Cis Acting ◽

Shsp Gene ◽

Duplication Events

Small heat shock proteins (sHsps) function mainly as molecular chaperones that play vital roles in response to diverse stresses, especially high temperature. However, little is known about the molecular characteristics and evolutionary history of the sHsp family in Salix suchowensis, an important bioenergy woody plant. In this study, 35 non-redundant sHsp genes were identified in S. suchowensis, and they were divided into four subfamilies (C, CP, PX, and MT) based on their phylogenetic relationships and predicted subcellular localization. Though the gene structure and conserved motif were relatively conserved, the sequences of the Hsp20 domain were diversified. Eight paralogous pairs were identified in the Ssu-sHsp family, in which five pairs were generated by tandem duplication events. Ka/Ks analysis indicated that Ssu-sHsps had undergone purifying selection. The expression profiles analysis showed Ssu-Hsps tissue-specific expression patterns, and they were induced by at least one abiotic stress. The expression correlation between two paralogous pairs (Ssu-sHsp22.2-CV/23.0-CV and 23.8-MT/25.6-MT) were less than 0.6, indicating that they were divergent during the evolution. Various cis-acting elements related to stress responses, hormone or development, were detected in the promoter of Ssu-sHsps. Furthermore, the co-expression network revealed the potential mechanism of Ssu-sHsps under stress tolerance and development. These results provide a foundation for further functional research on the Ssu-sHsp gene family in S. suchowensis.

Download Full-text

Genome-wide identification and characterization of ABA receptor PYL gene family in rice

BMC Genomics ◽

10.1186/s12864-020-07083-y ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Shashank Kumar Yadav ◽

Vinjamuri Venkata Santosh Kumar ◽

Rakesh Kumar Verma ◽

Pragya Yadav ◽

Ankit Saroha ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Abiotic Stress ◽

Gene Family ◽

Gene Structure ◽

Stress Responses ◽

Expression Profiles ◽

Foxtail Millet ◽

Evolutionary Relationship ◽

Regulatory Elements ◽

Fine Tuning ◽

Aba Receptor

Abstract Background Abscisic acid (ABA), a key phytohormone that controls plant growth and stress responses, is sensed by the pyrabactin resistance 1(PYR1)/PYR1-like (PYL)/regulatory components of the ABA receptor (RCAR) family of proteins. Comprehensive information on evolution and function of PYL gene family in rice (Oryza sativa) needs further investigation. This study made detailed analysis on evolutionary relationship between PYL family members, collinearity, synteny, gene structure, protein motifs, cis-regulatory elements (CREs), SNP variations, miRNAs targeting PYLs and expression profiles in different tissues and stress responses. Results Based on sequence homology with Arabidopsis PYL proteins, we identified a total of 13 PYLs in rice (BOP clade) and maize (PACCMAD clade), while other members of BOP (wheat – each diploid genome, barley and Brachypodium) and PACCMAD (sorghum and foxtail millet) have 8-9 PYLs. The phylogenetic analysis divided PYLs into three subfamilies that are structurally and functionally conserved across species. Gene structure and motif analysis of OsPYLs revealed that members of each subfamily have similar gene and motif structure. Segmental duplication appears be the driving force for the expansion of PYLs, and the majority of the PYLs underwent evolution under purifying selection in rice. 32 unique potential miRNAs that might target PYLs were identified in rice. Thus, the predicted regulation of PYLs through miRNAs in rice is more elaborate as compared with B. napus. Further, the miRNAs identified to in this study were also regulated by stresses, which adds additional layer of regulation of PYLs. The frequency of SAPs identified was higher in indica cultivars and were predominantly located in START domain that participate in ABA binding. The promoters of most of the OsPYLs have cis-regulatory elements involved in imparting abiotic stress responsive expression. In silico and q-RT-PCR expression analyses of PYL genes revealed multifaceted role of ABARs in shaping plant development as well as abiotic stress responses. Conclusion The predicted miRNA mediated regulation of OsPYLs and stress regulated expression of all OsPYLs, at least, under one stress, lays foundation for further validation and fine tuning ABA receptors for stress tolerance without yield penalty in rice.

Download Full-text

Genome-Wide Identification and Characterization of SQUAMOSA—Promoter-Binding Protein (SBP) Genes Involved in the Flowering Development of Citrus Clementina

Biomolecules ◽

10.3390/biom9020066 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (2) ◽

pp. 66 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Ren-Fang Zeng ◽

Jing-Jing Zhou ◽

Sheng-Rui Liu ◽

Zhi-Meng Gan ◽

Jin-Zhi Zhang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Gene Family ◽

Floral Induction ◽

Binding Protein ◽

Populus Trichocarpa ◽

Expression Patterns ◽

Specific Expression ◽

Water Deficits ◽

Citrus Clementina ◽

Squamosa Promoter Binding Protein ◽

Gene Structures

SQUAMOSA-promoter binding protein (SBP)-box genes encode a family of plant-specific transcription factors that play vital roles in plant growth and development. In this study, 15 SBP-box genes were identified and isolated from Citrus clementina (CclSBPs), where 10 of these genes were predicted to be putative targets of Citrus clementina microRNA156 (CclmiR156). The 15 CclSBP genes could be classified into six groups based on phylogenetic analysis, diverse intron–exon structure, and motif prediction, similar to the SQUAMOSA promoter binding protein-like (SPL) gene family of Populus trichocarpa and Arabidopsis thaliana. Furthermore, CclSBPs classified into a group/subgroup have similar gene structures and conserved motifs, implying their functional redundancy. Tissue-specific expression analysis of CclSBPs demonstrated their diversified expression patterns. To further explore the potential role of CclSBPs during floral inductive water deficits, the dynamic changes of the 15 CclSBPs were investigated during floral inductive water deficits, and the results showed that some CclSBPs were associated with floral induction. Among these genes, CclSBP6 was not homologous to the Arabidopsis SBP-box gene family, and CclSBP7 was regulated by being alternatively spliced. Therefore, CclSBP6 and CclSBP7 were genetically transformed in Arabidopsis. Overexpression of the two genes changed the flowering time of Arabidopsis.

Download Full-text

Comprehensive analysis of AHL gene family and their expression under drought stress and ABA treatment in Populus trichocarpa

PeerJ ◽

10.7717/peerj.10932 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 ◽

pp. e10932

Author(s):

Hanzeng Wang ◽

Xue Leng ◽

Jia Yang ◽

Mengqiu Zhang ◽

Minzhen Zeng ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Drought Stress ◽

Stress Responses ◽

Histone Deacetylases ◽

Growth And Development ◽

Populus Trichocarpa ◽

Purifying Selection ◽

Specific Expression ◽

Real Time Quantitative Pcr ◽

Specific Expression Pattern ◽

Gene Functional Analysis

The AT-hook motif nuclear-localized (AHL) family is a plant transcription factor family, which plays an important role in growth and development and stress responses. We identified and analyzed 37 AHL genes in poplar (Populus trichocarpa). Phylogenetic analysis classified the PtrAHL members into three subfamilies based on their conserved domain. All PtrAHL paralogous pairs evolved under purifying selection. The promoter analysis revealed the presence of stress-related and phytohormone-related cis-elements of the PtrAHL genes. Our analysis of the tissue-specific expression pattern of PtrAHL genes indicated their significance in tissue and organ development. Network-based prediction suggested that PtrAHL genes may interact with histone deacetylases (HDAC) and participate in the development of organs, such as roots. Drought negatively impacts plant growth and development. ABA is produced under osmotic stress condition, and it takes an important part in the stress response and tolerance of plants. Real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) showed that PtrAHL genes were induced by drought stress and ABA treatment. These insights into the expression of PtrAHL genes under stress provide a basis for PtrAHL gene functional analysis. Our study will help develop new breeding strategies to improve drought tolerance in poplar.

Download Full-text

Genome-Wide Identification of WRKY Gene Family and Expression Analysis under Abiotic Stress in Barley

Agronomy ◽

10.3390/agronomy11030521 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (3) ◽

pp. 521

Author(s):

Junjun Zheng ◽

Ziling Zhang ◽

Tao Tong ◽

Yunxia Fang ◽

Xian Zhang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Abiotic Stress ◽

Gene Family ◽

Stress Responses ◽

Tissue Expression ◽

Wrky Gene ◽

Cis Elements ◽

Biotic And Abiotic Stress ◽

Multiple Sequence ◽

Genome Database ◽

Almost All

The WRKY gene family consists of transcription factors that are widely distributed in plants and play a key role in plant growth and development, secondary metabolite synthesis, biotic and abiotic stress responses, and other biological processes. In this study, 86 WRKY proteins were identified from the barley genome database using bioinformatics and were found to be distributed unevenly on seven chromosomes. According to the structure and phylogenetic relationships, the proteins could be classified into three groups and seven subgroups. The multiple sequence alignment results showed that WRKY domains had different conserved sites in different groups or subgroups, and some members had a special heptapeptide motif. Protein and gene structure analysis indicated that there were significant differences between the groups in terms of the distribution of WRKY motifs and the number of introns in barley. Tissue expression pattern analysis demonstrated that the transcription levels of most genes exhibited tissue and growth-stage specificity. In addition, the analysis of cis-elements in the promoter region revealed that almost all HvWRKYs had plant hormone or stress response cis-elements, and there were differences in the numbers between groups. Finally, the transcriptional levels of 15 HvWRKY genes under drought, cadmium, or salt stress were analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR. It was found that most of the gene expression levels responded to one or more abiotic stresses. These results provide a foundation for further analysis of the function of WRKY gene family members in abiotic stress.

Download Full-text

Genome-Wide Comprehensive Analysis of the GASA Gene Family in Populus

International Journal of Molecular Sciences ◽

10.3390/ijms222212336 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (22) ◽

pp. 12336

Author(s):

Shuo Han ◽

Zhiyin Jiao ◽

Meng-Xue Niu ◽

Xiao Yu ◽

Mengbo Huang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Gene Family ◽

Candidate Genes ◽

Stress Responses ◽

Populus Trichocarpa ◽

Expression Patterns ◽

Populus Euphratica ◽

Vascular Bundles ◽

Whole Genome ◽

Real Time Quantitative Pcr ◽

Leading Role

Gibberellic acid-stimulated Arabidopsis (GASA) proteins, as cysteine-rich peptides (CRPs), play roles in development and reproduction and biotic and abiotic stresses. Although the GASA gene family has been identified in plants, the knowledge about GASAs in Populus euphratica, the woody model plant for studying abiotic stress, remains limited. Here, we referenced the well-sequenced Populus trichocarpa genome, and identified the GASAs in the whole genome of P. euphratica and P. trichocarpa. 21 candidate genes in P. trichocarpa and 19 candidate genes in P. euphratica were identified and categorized into three subfamilies by phylogenetic analysis. Most GASAs with signal peptides were located extracellularly. The GASA genes in Populus have experienced multiple gene duplication events, especially in the subfamily A. The evolution of the subfamily A, with the largest number of members, can be attributed to whole-genome duplication (WGD) and tandem duplication (TD). Collinearity analysis showed that WGD genes played a leading role in the evolution of GASA genes subfamily B. The expression patterns of P. trichocarpa and P. euphratica were investigated using the PlantGenIE database and the real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR), respectively. GASA genes in P. trichocarpa and P. euphratica were mainly expressed in young tissues and organs, and almost rarely expressed in mature leaves. GASA genes in P. euphratica leaves were also widely involved in hormone responses and drought stress responses. GUS activity assay showed that PeuGASA15 was widely present in various organs of the plant, especially in vascular bundles, and was induced by auxin and inhibited by mannitol dramatically. In summary, this present study provides a theoretical foundation for further research on the function of GASA genes in P. euphratica.

Download Full-text

Genome-wide identification, characterization, and expression patterns analysis of the SBP-box gene family in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-020-74417-x ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Ying Li ◽

Qilu Song ◽

Yamin Zhang ◽

Zheng Li ◽

Jialin Guo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Triticum Aestivum ◽

Abiotic Stress ◽

Stress Responses ◽

Tandem Duplication ◽

Expression Profiles ◽

Expression Patterns ◽

Triticum Aestivum L ◽

Genome Wide ◽

Related Development ◽

Gene Structures

Abstract SQUAMOSA promoter-binding protein (SBP)-box genes encode a family of plant-specific transcription factors that play roles in plant growth and development. The characteristics of SBP-box genes in rice (Oryza sativa) and Arabidopsis have been reported, but their potential roles in wheat (Triticum aestivum) are not fully understood. In this study, 48 SBP-box genes (TaSBPs) were identified; they were located in all wheat chromosomes except for 4B and 4D. Six TaSBPs were identified as tandem duplication genes that formed three tandem duplication pairs, while 22 were segmentally duplicated genes that formed 16 segmental duplication pairs. Subcellular localization prediction showed TaSBPs were located in nucleus. Among the 48 TaSBPs, 24 were predicted to be putative targets of TamiR156. Phylogenetic analysis showed that TaSBPs, AtSBPs, and OsSBPs that shared similar functions were clustered into the same subgroups. The phylogenetic relationships between the TaSBPs were supported by the identification of highly conserved motifs and gene structures. Four types of cis-elements––transcription-related, development-related, hormone-related, and abiotic stress-related elements––were found in the TaSBP promoters. Expression profiles indicated most TaSBPs participate in flower development and abiotic stress responses. This study establishes a foundation for further investigation of TaSBP genes and provides novel insights into their biological functions.

Download Full-text

Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Analysis of the Histone Deacetylase Gene Family in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Plants ◽

10.3390/plants10010019 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (1) ◽

pp. 19

Author(s):

Peng Jin ◽

Shiqi Gao ◽

Long He ◽

Miaoze Xu ◽

Tianye Zhang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Abiotic Stress ◽

Gene Family ◽

Mosaic Virus ◽

Stress Responses ◽

Viral Infections ◽

Phylogenetic Analyses ◽

Plant Viruses ◽

Gene Family Evolution ◽

Yellow Mosaic Virus ◽

Wheat Yellow Mosaic Virus

Histone acetylation is a dynamic modification process co-regulated by histone acetyltransferases (HATs) and histone deacetylases (HDACs). Although HDACs play vital roles in abiotic or biotic stress responses, their members in Triticumaestivum and their response to plant viruses remain unknown. Here, we identified and characterized 49 T. aestivumHDACs (TaHDACs) at the whole-genome level. Based on phylogenetic analyses, TaHDACs could be divided into 5 clades, and their protein spatial structure was integral and conserved. Chromosomal location and synteny analyses showed that TaHDACs were widely distributed on wheat chromosomes, and gene duplication has accelerated the TaHDAC gene family evolution. The cis-acting element analysis indicated that TaHDACs were involved in hormone response, light response, abiotic stress, growth, and development. Heatmaps analysis of RNA-sequencing data showed that TaHDAC genes were involved in biotic or abiotic stress response. Selected TaHDACs were differentially expressed in diverse tissues or under varying temperature conditions. All selected TaHDACs were significantly upregulated following infection with the barley stripe mosaic virus (BSMV), Chinese wheat mosaic virus (CWMV), and wheat yellow mosaic virus (WYMV), suggesting their involvement in response to viral infections. Furthermore, TaSRT1-silenced contributed to increasing wheat resistance against CWMV infection. In summary, these findings could help deepen the understanding of the structure and characteristics of the HDAC gene family in wheat and lay the foundation for exploring the function of TaHDACs in plants resistant to viral infections.

Download Full-text