Genome-Wide Comparative Analysis of the R2R3-MYB Gene Family in Five Solanaceae Species and Identification of Members Regulating Carotenoid Biosynthesis in Wolfberry |
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| Authors: | Yue Yin Cong Guo Hongyan Shi Jianhua Zhao Fang Ma Wei An Xinru He Qing Luo Youlong Cao Xiangqiang Zhan |
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| Affiliation: | 1.State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Xianyang 712100, China; (Y.Y.); (C.G.); (H.S.); (F.M.);2.National Wolfberry Engineering Research Center, Ningxia Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Yinchuan 751002, China; (J.Z.); (W.A.); (X.H.); (Q.L.) |
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| Abstract: | The R2R3-MYB is a large gene family involved in various plant functions, including carotenoid biosynthesis. However, this gene family lacks a comprehensive analysis in wolfberry (Lycium barbarum L.) and other Solanaceae species. The recent sequencing of the wolfberry genome provides an opportunity for investigating the organization and evolutionary characteristics of R2R3-MYB genes in wolfberry and other Solanaceae species. A total of 610 R2R3-MYB genes were identified in five Solanaceae species, including 137 in wolfberry. The LbaR2R3-MYB genes were grouped into 31 subgroups based on phylogenetic analysis, conserved gene structures, and motif composition. Five groups only of Solanaceae R2R3-MYB genes were functionally divergent during evolution. Dispersed and whole duplication events are critical for expanding the R2R3-MYB gene family. There were 287 orthologous gene pairs between wolfberry and the other four selected Solanaceae species. RNA-seq analysis identified the expression level of LbaR2R3-MYB differential gene expression (DEGs) and carotenoid biosynthesis genes (CBGs) in fruit development stages. The highly expressed LbaR2R3-MYB genes are co-expressed with CBGs during fruit development. A quantitative Real-Time (qRT)-PCR verified seven selected candidate genes. Thus, Lba11g0183 and Lba02g01219 are candidate genes regulating carotenoid biosynthesis in wolfberry. This study elucidates the evolution and function of R2R3-MYB genes in wolfberry and the four Solanaceae species. |
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| Keywords: | wolfberry R2R3-MYB gene carotenoids biosynthesis expression analysis co-expression |
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