Genome-Wide Identification and Analysis of the TIFY Gene Family in Grape

Background

The TIFY gene family constitutes a plant-specific group of genes with a broad range of functions. This family encodes four subfamilies of proteins, including ZML, TIFY, PPD and JASMONATE ZIM-Domain (JAZ) proteins. JAZ proteins are targets of the SCF^COI1 complex, and function as negative regulators in the JA signaling pathway. Recently, it has been reported in both Arabidopsis and rice that TIFY genes, and especially JAZ genes, may be involved in plant defense against insect feeding, wounding, pathogens and abiotic stresses. Nonetheless, knowledge concerning the specific expression patterns and evolutionary history of plant TIFY family members is limited, especially in a woody species such as grape.

Methodology/Principal Findings

A total of two TIFY, four ZML, two PPD and 11 JAZ genes were identified in the Vitis vinifera genome. Phylogenetic analysis of TIFY protein sequences from grape, Arabidopsis and rice indicated that the grape TIFY proteins are more closely related to those of Arabidopsis than those of rice. Both segmental and tandem duplication events have been major contributors to the expansion of the grape TIFY family. In addition, synteny analysis between grape and Arabidopsis demonstrated that homologues of several grape TIFY genes were found in the corresponding syntenic blocks of Arabidopsis, suggesting that these genes arose before the divergence of lineages that led to grape and Arabidopsis. Analyses of microarray and quantitative real-time RT-PCR expression data revealed that grape TIFY genes are not a major player in the defense against biotrophic pathogens or viruses. However, many of these genes were responsive to JA and ABA, but not SA or ET.

Conclusion

The genome-wide identification, evolutionary and expression analyses of grape TIFY genes should facilitate further research of this gene family and provide new insights regarding their evolutionary history and regulatory control.     

Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Analysis of NBS-Encoding Genes in Malus x domestica and Expansion of NBS Genes Family in Rosaceae

Nucleotide binding site leucine-rich repeats (NBS-LRR) disease resistance proteins play an important role in plant defense against pathogen attack. A number of recent studies have been carried out to identify and characterize NBS-LRR gene families in many important plant species. In this study, we identified NBS-LRR gene family comprising of 1015 NBS-LRRs using highly stringent computational methods. These NBS-LRRs were characterized on the basis of conserved protein motifs, gene duplication events, chromosomal locations, phylogenetic relationships and digital gene expression analysis. Surprisingly, equal distribution of Toll/interleukin-1 receptor (TIR) and coiled coil (CC) (1∶1) was detected in apple while the unequal distribution was reported in majority of all other known plant genome studies. Prediction of gene duplication events intriguingly revealed that not only tandem duplication but also segmental duplication may equally be responsible for the expansion of the apple NBS-LRR gene family. Gene expression profiling using expressed sequence tags database of apple and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) revealed the expression of these genes in wide range of tissues and disease conditions, respectively. Taken together, this study will provide a blueprint for future efforts towards improvement of disease resistance in apple.     

Genome-Wide Comparative Analysis of Chemosensory Gene Families in Five Tsetse Fly Species

For decades, odour-baited traps have been used for control of tsetse flies (Diptera; Glossinidae), vectors of African trypanosomes. However, differential responses to known attractants have been reported in different Glossina species, hindering establishment of a universal vector control tool. Availability of full genome sequences of five Glossina species offers an opportunity to compare their chemosensory repertoire and enhance our understanding of their biology in relation to chemosensation. Here, we identified and annotated the major chemosensory gene families in Glossina. We identified a total of 118, 115, 124, and 123 chemosensory genes in Glossina austeni, G. brevipalpis, G. f. fuscipes, G. pallidipes, respectively, relative to 127 reported in G. m. morsitans. Our results show that tsetse fly genomes have fewer chemosensory genes when compared to other dipterans such as Musca domestica (n>393), Drosophila melanogaster (n = 246) and Anopheles gambiae (n>247). We also found that Glossina chemosensory genes are dispersed across distantly located scaffolds in their respective genomes, in contrast to other insects like D. melanogaster whose genes occur in clusters. Further, Glossina appears to be devoid of sugar receptors and to have expanded CO₂ associated receptors, potentially reflecting Glossina''s obligate hematophagy and the need to detect hosts that may be out of sight. We also identified, in all species, homologs of Ir84a; a Drosophila-specific ionotropic receptor that promotes male courtship suggesting that this is a conserved trait in tsetse flies. Notably, our selection analysis revealed that a total of four gene loci (Gr21a, GluRIIA, Gr28b, and Obp83a) were under positive selection, which confers fitness advantage to species. These findings provide a platform for studies to further define the language of communication of tsetse with their environment, and influence development of novel approaches for control.     

番茄NAC转录因子家族的鉴定及生物信息学分析

NAC转录因子家族是植物特有的一类转录因子,在植物的生长发育、器官建成及逆境胁迫和激素信号应答中均发挥重要作用。本研究在基因组范围内,利用生物信息学方法对番茄的NAC转录因子家族成员、分布及结构和功能等进行分析。预测结果显示番茄NAC家族包含102个蛋白质,分为12亚族,其中茄属特有的TNAC亚族中成员最多,具有25个,其他NAC转录因子与拟南芥NAc家族具有相似分类。保守基序分析,在番茄NAC结构域中包含7个保守的NAM基序,主要分布在序列的N端,表明这些基序的存在对NAC蛋白质功能的执行是必需的。理化性质和结构分析表明,番茄NAC蛋白质绝大多数是亲水蛋白质,主要以无规则卷曲构成,而α-螺旋、β-折叠和β-转角则散布于整个蛋白质中,在各亚族中没有规律。     

Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Analysis of the CrRLK1L Gene Family in Apple (Malus domestica)

It has been reported that members of the Catharanthus roseus receptor-like kinase1-like kinase (CrRLK1L) gene family detect cell wall integrity, cell-to-cell communication, and biotic and abiotic stress. We performed a comprehensive study including the genome-wide identification, characterization, and gene expression analysis of CrRLK1Ls in apple (Malus domestica). Sixty-seven M. domestica CrRLK1Ls (MdCrRLK1Ls) were identified based on their domain structure. Molecular weight and pI ranged from 52.36–141 kDa and 5.05–8.9, respectively. They were distributed across 16 of the 18 chromosomes and classified into five phylogenetic branches. Exon-intron structural analysis indicated a wide range of exon numbers. Collinearity analysis showed that both segmental-and tandem-duplication contributed to the expansion of this family. Cis-elements in the MdCrRLK1L promoter region responded mainly to light, circadian rhythm, phytohormones, and biotic or abiotic stress. Many members exhibited tissue-specific expression patterns and differentially expressed under biotic stresses, which may contribute to the different functional roles of MdCrRLK1Ls under physiological stress and/or pathological conditions. This study provides new insights into the CrRLK1Ls in Malus spp.

     

Genome-Wide Identification of the Invertase Gene Family in Populus

Invertase plays a crucial role in carbohydrate partitioning and plant development as it catalyses the irreversible hydrolysis of sucrose into glucose and fructose. The invertase family in plants is composed of two sub-families: acid invertases, which are targeted to the cell wall and vacuole; and neutral/alkaline invertases, which function in the cytosol. In this study, 5 cell wall invertase genes (PtCWINV1-5), 3 vacuolar invertase genes (PtVINV1-3) and 16 neutral/alkaline invertase genes (PtNINV1-16) were identified in the Populus genome and found to be distributed on 14 chromosomes. A comprehensive analysis of poplar invertase genes was performed, including structures, chromosome location, phylogeny, evolutionary pattern and expression profiles. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the two sub-families were both divided into two clades. Segmental duplication is contributed to neutral/alkaline sub-family expansion. Furthermore, the Populus invertase genes displayed differential expression in roots, stems, leaves, leaf buds and in response to salt/cold stress and pathogen infection. In addition, the analysis of enzyme activity and sugar content revealed that invertase genes play key roles in the sucrose metabolism of various tissues and organs in poplar. This work lays the foundation for future functional analysis of the invertase genes in Populus and other woody perennials.     

Genome-Wide Identification and Expression of Xenopus F-Box Family of Proteins

Protein degradation via the multistep ubiquitin/26S proteasome pathway is a rapid way to alter the protein profile and drive cell processes and developmental changes. Many key regulators of embryonic development are targeted for degradation by E3 ubiquitin ligases. The most studied family of E3 ubiquitin ligases is the SCF ubiquitin ligases, which use F-box adaptor proteins to recognize and recruit target proteins. Here, we used a bioinformatics screen and phylogenetic analysis to identify and annotate the family of F-box proteins in the Xenopus tropicalis genome. To shed light on the function of the F-box proteins, we analyzed expression of F-box genes during early stages of Xenopus development. Many F-box genes are broadly expressed with expression domains localized to diverse tissues including brain, spinal cord, eye, neural crest derivatives, somites, kidneys, and heart. All together, our genome-wide identification and expression profiling of the Xenopus F-box family of proteins provide a foundation for future research aimed to identify the precise role of F-box dependent E3 ubiquitin ligases and their targets in the regulatory circuits of development.     

Genome-Wide Identification,Classification, and Expression Analysis of 14-3-3 Gene Family in Populus

Background

In plants, 14-3-3 proteins are encoded by a large multigene family and are involved in signaling pathways to regulate plant development and protection from stress. Although twelve Populus 14-3-3s were identified based on the Populus trichocarpa genome V1.1 in a previous study, no systematic analysis including genome organization, gene structure, duplication relationship, evolutionary analysis and expression compendium has been conducted in Populus based on the latest P. trichocarpa genome V3.0.

Principal Findings

Here, a comprehensive analysis of Populus 14-3-3 family is presented. Two new 14-3-3 genes were identified based on the latest P. trichocarpa genome. In P. trichocarpa, fourteen 14-3-3 genes were grouped into ε and non-ε group. Exon-intron organizations of Populus 14-3-3s are highly conserved within the same group. Genomic organization analysis indicated that purifying selection plays a pivotal role in the retention and maintenance of Populus 14-3-3 family. Protein conformational analysis indicated that Populus 14-3-3 consists of a bundle of nine α-helices (α1-α9); the first four are essential for formation of the dimer, while α3, α5, α7, and α9 form a conserved peptide-binding groove. In addition, α1, α3, α5, α7, and α9 were evolving at a lower rate, while α2, α4, and α6 were evolving at a relatively faster rate. Microarray analyses showed that most Populus 14-3-3s are differentially expressed across tissues and upon exposure to various stresses.

Conclusions

The gene structures and their coding protein structures of Populus 14-3-3s are highly conserved among group members, suggesting that members of the same group might also have conserved functions. Microarray and qRT-PCR analyses showed that most Populus 14-3-3s were differentially expressed in various tissues and were induced by various stresses. Our investigation provided a better understanding of the complexity of the 14-3-3 gene family in poplars.     

芝麻MATE基因家族的全基因组鉴定与表达分析

植物为了维持其生命系统的正常运转,需要对各种代谢产物和毒素进行转运和排出.多药与毒性化合物排出转运蛋白(multidrug and toxic compound extrusion,MATE)在多种底物和毒素的运输中起到重要作用.本研究利用生物信息学手段对芝麻MATE基因家族进行了全基因组分析,鉴定得到67个MATE基因,分布于全部13条染色体上,亚细胞定位预测表明这些基因主要位于质膜上.串联复制和全基因组复制是芝麻MATE基因家族扩增的主要动力.比较基因组学分析发现在芝麻和拟南芥中具有许多共线性的MATE基因,且大部分串联复制SiMATE基因产生于芝麻和拟南芥分化之后.系统进化分析可将芝麻MATE成员分为4个亚家族,大部分相似功能的己知植物MATE成员被聚在同一分枝中,进化树中关系较近的芝麻MATE成员往往具有相似的基因结构和保守基序.基因表达分析表明一半以上的SiMATE基因具有组织表达特异性.这些结果为芝麻MATE基因功能的研究提供了重要参考.     

芝麻MATE基因家族的全基因组鉴定与表达分析

植物为了维持其生命系统的正常运转,需要对各种代谢产物和毒素进行转运和排出.多药与毒性化合物排出转运蛋白(multidrug and toxic compound extrusion,MATE)在多种底物和毒素的运输中起到重要作用.本研究利用生物信息学手段对芝麻MATE基因家族进行了全基因组分析,鉴定得到67个MATE基因,分布于全部13条染色体上,亚细胞定位预测表明这些基因主要位于质膜上.串联复制和全基因组复制是芝麻MATE基因家族扩增的主要动力.比较基因组学分析发现在芝麻和拟南芥中具有许多共线性的MATE基因,且大部分串联复制SiMATE基因产生于芝麻和拟南芥分化之后.系统进化分析可将芝麻MATE成员分为4个亚家族,大部分相似功能的己知植物MATE成员被聚在同一分枝中,进化树中关系较近的芝麻MATE成员往往具有相似的基因结构和保守基序.基因表达分析表明一半以上的SiMATE基因具有组织表达特异性.这些结果为芝麻MATE基因功能的研究提供了重要参考.