scholarly journals Functional Characterization of VvSK Gene Family in Grapevine Revealing Their Role in Berry Ripening

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (12) ◽  
pp. 4336
Author(s):  
Jingjue Zeng ◽  
Muhammad Salman Haider ◽  
Junbo Huang ◽  
Yanshuai Xu ◽  
Tariq Pervaiz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stress Responses ◽  
Glycogen Synthase ◽  
Expression Patterns ◽  
Functional Characterization ◽  
Soluble Solids ◽  
Future Application ◽  
Specific Expression ◽  
Young Leaves ◽  
Constitutive Overexpression ◽  
Transient Overexpression

The glycogen synthase kinase 3/shaggy kinase (GSK3) is a serine/threonine kinase that plays important roles in brassinosteroid signaling, abiotic stress responses, cell division, and elongation, etc. In this study, we characterized seven grape GSK3 genes, showing high similarities with homologs from other species including Arabidopsis, white pear, apple, orange, and peach. Gene chip microarray data derived from an online database revealed very diverse developmental and tissue-specific expression patterns of VvSKs. VvSK3 and VvSK7 showed much higher expression levels in almost every tissue compared with other members. VvSK7 was highly enriched in young tissues like berries before the veraison stage, young leaves and green stems, etc., but immediately downregulated after these tissues entered maturation or senescence phases. Prediction of cis-elements in VvSK promoters indicated that VvSKs might be sensitive to light stimulation, which is further confirmed by the qPCR data. Constitutive overexpression of VvSK7 in Arabidopsis leads to dwarf plants that resembles BR-deficient mutants. The photosynthetic rate was significantly reduced in these plants, even though they accumulated more chlorophyll in leaves. Transient overexpression of VvSKs in tomatoes delayed the fruit ripening process, consistent with the observation in grapevine which blocks VvSKs by EBR- or BIKININ-promoted berry expansion and soluble solids accumulation. Data presented in the current study may serve as a theoretical basis for the future application of BRs or related compounds in quality grape production.

scholarly journals Overexpression of BplERD15 Enhances Drought Tolerance in Betula platyphylla Suk.

Forests ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 978
Author(s):  
Kaiwen Lv ◽  
Hairong Wei ◽  
Jing Jiang
Keyword(s):  
Expression Patterns ◽  
Functional Characterization ◽  
Early Response ◽  
Growth Media ◽  
Betula Platyphylla ◽  
Specific Expression ◽  
Growth Deficiency ◽  
Young Leaves ◽  
Betula Platyphylla Suk ◽  
Responsive Gene

In this study, we report the cloning and functional characterization of an early responsive gene, BplERD15, from Betula platyphylla Suk to dehydration. BplERD15 is located in the same branch as Morus indica Linnaeus ERD15 and Arabidopsis Heynh ERD15 in the phylogenetic tree built with ERD family protein sequences. The tissue-specific expression patterns of BplERD15 were characterized using qRT-PCR and the results showed that the transcript levels of BplERD15 in six tissues were ranked from the highest to the lowest levels as the following: mature leaves (ML) > young leaves (YL) > roots (R) > buds (B) > young stems (YS) > mature stems (MS). Multiple drought experiments were simulated by adding various osmotica including polyethylene glycol, mannitol, and NaCl to the growth media to decrease their water potentials, and the results showed that the expression of BplERD15 could be induced to 12, 9, and 10 folds, respectively, within a 48 h period. However, the expression level of BplERD15 was inhibited by the plant hormone abscisic acid in the early response and then restored to the level of control. The BplERD15 overexpression (OE) transgenic birch lines were developed and they did not exhibit any phenotypic anomalies and growth deficiency under normal condition. Under drought condition, BplERD15-OE1, 3, and 4 all displayed some drought tolerant characteristics and survived from the drought while the wild type (WT) plants withered and then died. Analysis showed that all BplERD15-OE lines had significant lower electrolyte leakage levels as compared to WT. Our study suggests that BplERD15 is a drought-responsive gene that can reduce mortality under stress condition.

scholarly journals Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of the CLC gene family in pomegranate (Punica granatum) reveals its roles in salt resistance

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cuiyu Liu ◽  
Yujie Zhao ◽  
Xueqing Zhao ◽  
Jianmei Dong ◽  
Zhaohe Yuan
Keyword(s):  
Gene Family ◽  
Expression Patterns ◽  
Functional Characterization ◽  
Nitrogen Deficiency ◽  
Punica Granatum ◽  
Salt Resistance ◽  
Specific Expression ◽  
Multiple Sequence ◽  
Root Cells ◽  
Expression Levels

Abstract Backgrounds: Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is an important commercial fruit tree, with moderate tolerance to salinity. The balance of Cl− and other anions in pomegranate tissues are affected by salinity, however, the accumulation patterns of anions are poorly understood. The chloride channel (CLC) gene family is involved in conducting Cl−, NO3−, HCO3− and I−, but its characteristics have not been reported on pomegranate.Results: In this study, we identified seven PgCLC genes, consisting of four antiporters and three channels, based on the presence of the gating glutamate (E) and the proton glutamate (E). Phylogenetic analysis revealed that seven PgCLCs were divided into two clades, with clade I containing the typical conserved regions GxGIPE (I), GKxGPxxH (II) and PxxGxLF (III), whereas clade II not. Multiple sequence alignment revealed that PgCLC-B had a P [proline, Pro] residue in region I, which was suspected to be a NO3–/H+ exchanger, while PgCLC-C1, PgCLC-C2, PgCLC-D and PgCLC-G contained a S [serine, Ser] residue, with a high affinity to Cl−. We determined the content of Cl−, NO3−, H2PO4−, and SO42− in pomegranate tissues after 18 days of salt treatments (0, 100, 200 and 300 mM NaCl). Compared with control, the Cl− content increased sharply in pomegranate tissues. Salinity inhibited the uptake of NO3− and SO42− , but accelerated H2PO4− uptake. The results of real-time reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) revealed that PgCLC genes had tissue-specific expression patterns. The high expression levels of three antiporters PgCLC-C1, PgCLC-C2 and PgCLC-D in leaves might be contributed to sequestrating Cl− into the vacuoles. However, the low expression levels of PgCLCs in roots might be associated with the exclusion of Cl− from root cells. Also, the up-regulated PgCLC-B in leaves indicated that more NO3− was transported into leaves to mitigate the nitrogen deficiency.Conclusions: Our findings suggested that the PgCLC genes played important roles in balancing of Cl− and NO3− in pomegranate tissues under salt stress. This study establishes a theoretical foundation for the further functional characterization of CLC genes in pomegranate.

scholarly journals Genome-wide identification, molecular evolution, and expression analysis provide new insights into the APETALA2/ethylene responsive factor (AP2/ERF) superfamily in Dimocarpus longan Lour

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shuting Zhang ◽  
Chen Zhu ◽  
Yumeng Lyu ◽  
Yan Chen ◽  
Zihao Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Evolution ◽  
Stress Responses ◽  
Expression Patterns ◽  
Functional Characterization ◽  
Transcriptional Level ◽  
Developmental Processes ◽  
Genome Wide ◽  
A Genome ◽  
Dimocarpus Longan ◽  
Ethylene Responsive Factor

Abstract Background: The APETALA2/ethylene responsive factor (AP2/ERF) superfamily members are transcription factors that regulate diverse developmental processes and stress responses in plants. They have been identified in many plants. However, little is known about the AP2/ERF superfamily in longan (Dimocarpus longan Lour.), which is an important tropical/subtropical evergreen fruit tree that produces a variety of bioactive compounds with rich nutritional and medicinal value. We conducted a genome-wide analysis of the AP2/ERF superfamily and its roles in somatic embryogenesis (SE) and developmental processes in longan. Results: A genome-wide survey of the AP2/ERF superfamily was carried out to discover its evolution and function in longan. We identified 125 longan AP2/ERF genes and classified them into the ERF (101 members), AP2 (19 members), RAV (four members) families, and one Soloist. The AP2 and Soloist genes contained one to ten introns, whereas 87 genes in the ERF and RAV families had no introns. Hormone signaling molecules such as methyl jasmonate (MeJA), abscisic acid (ABA), gibberellin, auxin, and salicylic acid (SA), and stress response cis-acting element low-temperature (55) and defense (49) boxes also were identified. We detected diverse single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) between the 'Hong He Zi' (HHZ) and 'SI JI MI' (SJM) cultivars. The number of insertions and deletions (InDels) was far fewer than SNPs. The AP2 family members exhibited more alternative splicing (AS) events in different developmental processes of longan than members of the other families. Expression pattern analysis revealed that some AP2/ERF members regulated early SE and developmental processes in longan seed, root, and flower, and responded to exogenous hormones such as MeJA, SA, and ABA, and 2,4-D, a synthetic auxin. Protein interaction predictions indicated that the Baby Boom (BBM) transcription factor, which was up-regulated at the transcriptional level in early SE, may interact with the LALF/AGL15 network. Conclusions: The comprehensive analysis of molecular evolution and expression patterns suggested that the AP2/ERF superfamily may plays an important role in longan, especially in early SE, and in seed, root, flower, and young fruit. This systematic analysis provides a foundation for further functional characterization of the AP2/ERF superfamily with the aim of longan improvement.

scholarly journals Identification and analysis of CYP450 and UGT supergene family members from the transcriptome of Aralia elata (Miq.) Seem reveal candidate genes for triterpenoid saponin biosynthesis

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yao Cheng ◽  
Hanbing Liu ◽  
Xuejiao Tong ◽  
Zaimin Liu ◽  
Xin Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Candidate Genes ◽  
Oleanolic Acid ◽  
Expression Patterns ◽  
Functional Characterization ◽  
Acid Synthesis ◽  
Triterpenoid Saponin ◽  
Specific Expression ◽  
Systematic Analysis ◽  
Saponin Biosynthesis ◽  
Aralia Elata

Abstract Background: Members of the cytochrome P450 (CYP450) and UDP-glycosyltransferases (UGT) gene superfamily have been shown to play essential roles in regulating secondary metabolites biosynthesis. However, the systematic identification of CYP450s and UGTs have not been reported in Aralia elata (Miq.) Seem , a highly valued medicinal plant. Results: In the present study we conducted the RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis of the leaves, stems, and roots of A. elata, yielding 66,713 total unigenes. Following the annotation and KEGG pathway analysis, we were able to identify 64 unigenes related to triterpenoid skeleton biosynthesis, 254 CYP450s and 122 UGTs, respectively. 150 CYP450s and 92 UGTs encoding >300 amino acid proteins were utilized for phylogenetic and tissue-specific expression analyses. This allowed us to cluster 150 CYP450s into 9 clans and 40 families, and then these CYP450 proteins were further grouped into two primary branches: A-type (53%) and non-A type (47%). A phylogenetic analysis of 92 UGTs and other plant UGTs led to clustering into 16 groups (A-P). We further assessed the expression patterns of these CYP450 and UGT genes across A. elata tissues, with 23 CYP450 and 16 UGT members being selected for qRT-PCR validation, respectively. From these data, we identified CYP716A295 and CYP716A296 as the candidate genes most likely to be associated with oleanolic acid synthesis, while CYP72A763 and CYP72A776 was identified as being the most likely to play a role in hederagenin biosynthesis. We also selected five unigenes as the best candidates for oleanolic acid 3-O-glucosyltransferase. Finally, we assessed the subcellular localization of three CYP450 proteins within Arabidopsis protoplasts, highlighting the fact that they localize to the endoplasmic reticulum. Conclusions: This study presents a systematic analysis of the CYP450 and UGT gene family in A. elata and provided a foundation for further functional characterization of these two multigene family.

scholarly journals Genome-Wide Identification and Analysis of the NPR1-Like Gene Family in Bread Wheat and Its Relatives

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (23) ◽  
pp. 5974 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xian Liu ◽  
Zhiguo Liu ◽  
Xinhui Niu ◽  
Qian Xu ◽  
Long Yang
Keyword(s):  
Gene Family ◽  
Bread Wheat ◽  
Plant Immunity ◽  
Expression Patterns ◽  
Functional Characterization ◽  
Aegilops Tauschii ◽  
Regulatory Elements ◽  
Protein Domain ◽  
Chromosomal Distribution ◽  
Specific Expression

NONEXPRESSOR OF PATHOGENESIS-RELATED GENES 1 (NPR1), and its paralogues NPR3 and NPR4, are bona fide salicylic acid (SA) receptors and play critical regulatory roles in plant immunity. However, comprehensive identification and analysis of the NPR1-like gene family had not been conducted so far in bread wheat and its relatives. Here, a total of 17 NPR genes in Triticum aestivum, five NPR genes in Triticum urartu, 12 NPR genes in Triticum dicoccoides, and six NPR genes in Aegilops tauschii were identified using bioinformatics approaches. Protein properties of these putative NPR1-like genes were also described. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the 40 NPR1-like proteins, together with 40 NPR1-related proteins from other plant species, were clustered into three major clades. The TaNPR1-like genes belonging to the same Arabidopsis subfamilies shared similar exon-intron patterns and protein domain compositions, as well as conserved motifs and amino acid residues. The cis-regulatory elements related to SA were identified in the promoter regions of TaNPR1-like genes. The TaNPR1-like genes were intensively mapped on the chromosomes of homoeologous groups 3, 4, and 5, except TaNPR2-D. Chromosomal distribution and collinearity analysis of NPR1-like genes among bread wheat and its relatives revealed that the evolution of this gene family was more conservative following formation of hexaploid wheat. Transcriptome data analysis indicated that TaNPR1-like genes exhibited tissue/organ-specific expression patterns and some members were induced under biotic stress. These findings lay the foundation for further functional characterization of NPR1-like proteins in bread wheat and its relatives.

scholarly journals Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of ADP-ribosylation factors associated with biotic and abiotic stress in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

PeerJ ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. e10963 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yaqian Li ◽  
Jinghan Song ◽  
Guang Zhu ◽  
Zehao Hou ◽  
Lin Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Triticum Aestivum ◽  
Abiotic Stress ◽  
Intracellular Transport ◽  
Expression Patterns ◽  
Functional Characterization ◽  
Triticum Aestivum L ◽  
Pcr Analysis ◽  
Biotic And Abiotic Stress ◽  
Specific Expression ◽  
Wheat Varieties

The ARF gene family plays important roles in intracellular transport in eukaryotes and is involved in conferring tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses in plants. To explore the role of these genes in the development of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), 74 wheat ARF genes (TaARFs; including 18 alternate transcripts) were identified and clustered into seven sub-groups. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that TaARFA1 sub-group genes were strongly conserved. Numerous cis-elements functionally associated with the stress response and hormones were identified in the TaARFA1 sub-group, implying that these TaARFs are induced in response to abiotic and biotic stresses in wheat. According to available transcriptome data and qRT-PCR analysis, the TaARFA1 genes displayed tissue-specific expression patterns and were regulated by biotic stress (powdery mildew and stripe rust) and abiotic stress (cold, heat, ABA, drought and NaCl). Protein interaction network analysis further indicated that TaARFA1 proteins may interact with protein phosphatase 2C (PP2C), which is a key protein in the ABA signaling pathway. This comprehensive analysis will be useful for further functional characterization of TaARF genes and the development of high-quality wheat varieties.

scholarly journals Functional Role of Long-Chain Acyl-CoA Synthetases in Plant Development and Stress Responses

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Huayan Zhao ◽  
Dylan K. Kosma ◽  
Shiyou Lü
Keyword(s):  
Plant Development ◽  
Stress Responses ◽  
Lipid Membranes ◽  
Neutral Lipids ◽  
Expression Patterns ◽  
Lipid Synthesis ◽  
Plant Responses ◽  
Specific Expression ◽  
Synthesis And Degradation ◽  
Long Chain

Fatty acids (FAs) play vital roles in plants as components of lipid membranes that demarcate cells and organelles, as sources of stored energy in the form of neutral lipids, and as signaling molecules that elicit plant responses to adverse conditions. The activation of FAs through the formation of acyl-CoA intermediates by acyl-CoA synthetase (ACS) family enzymes is required for their synthesis and degradation. Long-chain ACSs (LACSs) represent a small subgroup of ACS enzymes that specifically convert long-chain or very-long-chain FAs into corresponding thioesters for multiple lipid-associated processes. Alteration of LACS activity often results in pleiotropic phenotypes such as male sterility, organ fusion, aberrant cuticular structure, delayed seed germination, altered seed oil content, and plant capacity to respond to various environmental stresses. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of LACS family enzymes including substrate specificity, tissue-specific expression patterns, and distinct subcellular localization highlighting their specific roles in lipid synthesis and degradation, the effects of altered LACS activity on plant development, the relationship between LACS activity and stress resistance, and the regulation of LACS activity. Finally, we pose several major questions to be addressed, which would advance our current understanding of LACS function in plants.

Design and Characterization of a Fluorescent Reporter Enabling Live-cell Monitoring of MCT8 Expression

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adina Sophie Graffunder ◽  
Sarah Paisdzior ◽  
Robert Opitz ◽  
Kostja Renko ◽  
Peter Kühnen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Expression Patterns ◽  
Functional Characterization ◽  
Live Cell ◽  
Monocarboxylate Transporter ◽  
Start Codon ◽  
Future Application ◽  
Gene Assay ◽  
Cell Monitoring

AbstractThe monocarboxylate transporter 8 (MCT8) is a specific thyroid hormone transporter and plays an essential role in fetal development. Inactivating mutations in the MCT8 encoding gene SLC16A2 (solute carrier family 16, member 2) lead to the Allan-Herndon-Dudley syndrome, a condition presenting with severe endocrinological and neurological phenotypes. However, the cellular distribution pattern and dynamic expression profile are still not well known for early human neural development. Objective Development and characterization of fluorescent MCT8 reporters that would permit live-cell monitoring of MCT8 protein expression in vitro in human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived cell culture models. Methods A tetracysteine (TC) motif was introduced into the human MCT8 sequence at four different positions as binding sites for fluorescent biarsenical dyes. Human Embryonic Kidney 293 cells were transfected and stained with fluorescein-arsenical hairpin-binder (FlAsH). Counterstaining with specific MCT8 antibody was performed. Triiodothyronine (T3) uptake was indirectly measured with a T3 responsive luciferase-based reporter gene assay in Madin-Darby Canine Kidney 1 cells for functional characterization. Results FlAsH staining and antibody counterstaining of all four constructs showed cell membrane expression of all MCT8 constructs. The construct with the tag after the first start codon demonstrated comparable T3 uptake to the MCT8 wildtype. Conclusion Our data indicate that introduction of a TC-tag directly after the first start codon generates a MCT8 reporter with suitable characteristics for live-cell monitoring of MCT8 expression. One promising future application will be generation of stable hiPSC MCT8 reporter lines to characterize MCT8 expression patterns during in vitro neuronal development.

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

2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (10) ◽  
pp. 3246 ◽  
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.

scholarly journals Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of the CLC gene family in pomegranate (Punica granatum) reveals its roles in salt resistance

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Cuiyu Liu ◽  
Yujie Zhao ◽  
Xueqing Zhao ◽  
Jianmei Dong ◽  
Zhaohe Yuan
Keyword(s):  
Gene Family ◽  
Expression Patterns ◽  
Functional Characterization ◽  
Nitrogen Deficiency ◽  
Punica Granatum ◽  
Salt Resistance ◽  
Specific Expression ◽  
Multiple Sequence ◽  
Root Cells ◽  
Expression Levels

Abstract Backgrounds Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is an important commercial fruit tree, with moderate tolerance to salinity. The balance of Cl− and other anions in pomegranate tissues are affected by salinity, however, the accumulation patterns of anions are poorly understood. The chloride channel (CLC) gene family is involved in conducting Cl−, NO3−, HCO3− and I−, but its characteristics have not been reported on pomegranate. Results In this study, we identified seven PgCLC genes, consisting of four antiporters and three channels, based on the presence of the gating glutamate (E) and the proton glutamate (E). Phylogenetic analysis revealed that seven PgCLCs were divided into two clades, with clade I containing the typical conserved regions GxGIPE (I), GKxGPxxH (II) and PxxGxLF (III), whereas clade II not. Multiple sequence alignment revealed that PgCLC-B had a P [proline, Pro] residue in region I, which was suspected to be a NO3−/H+ exchanger, while PgCLC-C1, PgCLC-C2, PgCLC-D and PgCLC-G contained a S [serine, Ser] residue, with a high affinity to Cl−. We determined the content of Cl−, NO3−, H2PO4−, and SO42− in pomegranate tissues after 18 days of salt treatments (0, 100, 200 and 300 mM NaCl). Compared with control, the Cl− content increased sharply in pomegranate tissues. Salinity inhibited the uptake of NO3− and SO42−, but accelerated H2PO4− uptake. The results of real-time reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) revealed that PgCLC genes had tissue-specific expression patterns. The high expression levels of three antiporters PgCLC-C1, PgCLC-C2 and PgCLC-D in leaves might be contributed to sequestrating Cl− into the vacuoles. However, the low expression levels of PgCLCs in roots might be associated with the exclusion of Cl− from root cells. Also, the up-regulated PgCLC-B in leaves indicated that more NO3− was transported into leaves to mitigate the nitrogen deficiency. Conclusions Our findings suggested that the PgCLC genes played important roles in balancing of Cl− and NO3− in pomegranate tissues under salt stress. This study established a theoretical foundation for the further functional characterization of the CLC genes in pomegranate.

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