Search

Gene duplication is the major resource with which to generate new genes, which provide raw material for novel functions evolution. Thus, to elucidate the gene family evolution after duplication events is of vital importance. Anthocyanin O-methyltransferases (AOMTs) have been recognized as being capable of anthocyanin methylation, which increases anthocyanin diversity and stability and improves the protection of plants from environmental stress. Meanwhile, no detailed identification or genome-wide analysis of the AOMT gene family members in pomegranate (Punicagranatum) have been reported. Three published pomegranate genome sequences offer substantial resources with which to explore gene evolution based on the whole genome. Altogether, 58 identified OMTs from pomegranate and five other species were divided into the AOMT group and the OMT group, according to their phylogenetic tree and AOMTs derived from OMTs. AOMTs in the same subclade have a similar gene structure and protein conserved motifs. The PgAOMT family evolved and expanded primarily via whole-genome duplication (WGD) and tandem duplication. PgAOMTs expression pattern in peel and aril development by qRT-PCR verification indicated that PgAOMTs had tissue-specific patterns. The main fates of AOMTs were neo- or non-functionalization after duplication events. High expression genes of PgOMT04 and PgOMT09 were speculated to contribute to "Taishanhong" pomegranate's bright red peel color. Finally, we integrated the above analysis in order to infer the evolutionary scenario of AOMT family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most cultivated lands are suffering from soil salinization, which is a global problem affecting agricultural development and economy. High NaCl concentrations in the soil result in the accumulation of toxic Cl− and Na+ in plants. Na+/H+ antiporter (NHX) can regulate Na+ compartmentalization or efflux to reduce Na+ toxicity. This study aims to identify the NHX genes in pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) from the genome sequences and investigate their expression patterns under different concentrations of NaCl stress. In this study, we used the sequences of PgNHXs to analyze the physicochemical properties, phylogenetic evolution, conserved motifs, gene structures, cis-acting elements, protein tertiary structure and expression pattern. A total of 10 PgNHX genes were identified, and divided into three clades. Conserved motifs and gene structures showed that most of them had an amiloride-binding site (FFI/LY/FLLPPI), except for the members of clade III. There were multiple cis-acting elements involved in abiotic stress in PgNHX genes. Additionally, protein-protein interaction network analysis suggested that PgNHXs might play crucial roles in keeping a balance of Na+ in cells. The qRT-PCR analysis suggested that PgNHXs had tissue-specific expressional patterns under salt stress. Overall, our findings indicated that the PgNHXs could play significant roles in response to salt stress. The theoretical foundation was established in the present study for the further functional characterization of the NHX gene family in pomegranate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]