Analysis of transcriptome data and quantitative trait loci enables the identification of candidate genes responsible for fiber strength in Gossypium barbadense

Abstract

Gossypium barbadense possesses a superior fiber quality because of its fiber length and strength. An in-depth analysis of the underlying genetic mechanism could aid in filling the gap in research regarding fiber strength and could provide helpful information for G. barbadense breeding. Three quantitative trait loci related to fiber strength were identified from a G. barbadense recombinant inbred line (PimaS-7 × 5917) for further analysis. RNA sequencing was performed in the fiber tissues of PimaS-7 × 5917 0-35 days post-anthesis. Four specific modules closely related to the secondary wall-thickening stage were obtained using weighted gene co-expression network analysis. In total, 55 genes were identified as differentially expressed from four specific modules. Gene Ontology and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes were used for enrichment analysis, and Gbar_D11G032910, Gbar_D08G020540, Gbar_D08G013370, Gbar_D11G033670 and Gbar_D11G029020 were found to regulate fiber strength by playing a role in the composition of structural constituents of cytoskeleton and microtubules during fiber development. qRT-PCR results confirmed the accuracy of the transcriptome data. This study provides a quick strategy for exploring candidate genes and provides new insights for improving fiber strength in cotton.

Genome-Wide and Expression Pattern Analysis of the HIT4 Gene Family Uncovers the Involvement of GHHIT4_4 in Response to Verticillium Wilt in Gossypium hirsutum

“…This implies that these three genes play a role in the initial stages of fiber development in island cotton. Interestingly, at 30 DPA and 35 DPA, during fiber development, we found that the expression level of gene GBHIT4_6 in the low fiber strength material was twice that of the high fiber strength material, indicating the involvement of this gene in late fiber development in island cotton and, potentially, in controlling the quality of fiber strength [ 42 ].…”

Pan-genome Analysis of GT64 Gene Family and Expression Response to Verticillium wilt in Cotton

“…The expression levels data of materials with high and low ber strength of island cotton were also utilized [31]. It was observed that GBGT64_2 and GBGT64_4 displayed signi cant differences in expression levels at 20 DPA, 25 DPA, 30 DPA, and 35 DPA in both materials, indicating the involvement of these two genes in the late-stage bers development of G. barbadense, potentially regulating the quality of G. barbadense ber strength (Fig.…”

Comparative Transcriptomic Analysis of Gossypium hirsutum Fiber Development in Mutant Materials (xin w 139) Provides New Insights into Cotton Fiber Development

“…These findings have helped identify the key genes that control fiber development and have provided important insights for improving cotton fibers. Through RNA-seq of 0-35 DPA fibers of PimaS-7 and 5917, 4 candidate genes related to fiber strength were identified [16]. RNA-seq analysis at different stages of fiber development (7,14,and 26 DPA) in the Coker 312 cotton variety allowed the identification of transcription factors and functional genes associated with this process.…”