Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of terpene synthases in Gossypium species in response to gossypol biosynthesis.

Cottonseed is an invaluable resource, providing protein, oil, and abundant minerals that significantly contribute to the well-being and nutritional needs of both humans and livestock. However, cottonseed also contains a toxic substance called gossypol, a secondary metabolite in Gossypium species that plays an important role in cotton plant development and self-protection. Herein, genome-wide analysis and characterization of the terpene synthase (TPS) gene family identified 304 TPS genes in Gossypium. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that the gene family was grouped into six subgroups TPS-a, TPS-b, TPS-c, TPS-e, TPS-f, and TPS-g. Whole-genome, segmental, and tandem duplication contributed to the evolution of TPS genes. According to the analysis of selection pressure, it was predicted that TPS genes experience predominantly negative selection, with positive selection occurring subsequently. RT-qPCR analysis in TM-1 and CRI-12 lines revealed GhTPS48 gene as the candidate gene for silencing experiments. To summarize, comprehensive genome-wide studies, RT-qPCR, and gene silencing experiments have collectively demonstrated the involvement of the TPS gene family in the biosynthesis of gossypol in cotton.

Identification of genetic factors controlling phosphorus utilization efficiency in wheat by genome-wide association study with principal component analysis.

Despite the economic importance of P utilization efficiency, information on genetic factors underlying this trait remains elusive. To address that, we performed a genome-wide association study in a spring wheat diversity panel ranging from landraces to elite varieties. We evaluated the phenotype variation for P utilization efficiency in controlled conditions and genotype variation using wheat 90 K SNP array. Phenotype variables were transformed into a smaller set of uncorrelated principal components that captured the most important variation data. We identified two significant loci associated with both P utilization efficiency and the 1st principal component on chromosomes 3A and 4A: qPE1-3A and qPE2-4A. Annotation of genes at these loci revealed 53 wheat genes, among which 6 were identified in significantly enriched pathways. The expression pattern of these 6 genes indicated that TraesCS4A02G481800, involved in pyruvate metabolism and TCA cycle, had a significantly higher expression in the P efficient variety under limited P conditions. Further characterization of these loci and candidate genes can help stimulate P utilization efficiency in wheat.