Genome-Wide Analysis of the Xyloglucan Endotransglucosylase/Hydrolase (XTH) Gene Family: Expression Pattern during Magnesium Stress Treatment in the Mulberry Plant (Morus alba L.) Leaves

Abstract

Mulberry (Morus alba L.), a significant fruit tree crop, requires magnesium (Mg) for its optimal growth and productivity. Nonetheless, our understanding of the molecular basis underlying magnesium stress tolerance in mulberry plants remains unexplored. In our previous study, we identified several differential candidate genes associated with Mg homeostasis via transcriptome analysis, including the xyloglucan endotransglucosylase/hydrolase (XTH) gene family. The XTH gene family is crucial for plant cell wall reconstruction and stress responses. These genes have been identified and thoroughly investigated in various plant species. However, there is no research pertaining to XTH genes within the M. alba plant. This research systematically examined the M. alba XTH (MaXTH) gene family at the genomic level using a bioinformatic approach. In total, 22 MaXTH genes were discovered and contained the Glyco_hydro_16 and XET_C conserved domains. The MaXTHs were categorized into five distinct groups by their phylogenetic relationships. The gene structure possesses four exons and three introns. Furthermore, the MaXTH gene promoter analysis reveals a plethora of cis-regulatory elements, mainly stress responsiveness, phytohormone responsiveness, and growth and development. GO analysis indicated that MaXTHs encode proteins that exhibit xyloglucan xyloglucosyl transferase and hydrolase activities in addition to cell wall biogenesis as well as xyloglucan and carbohydrate metabolic processes. Moreover, a synteny analysis unveiled an evolutionary relationship between the XTH genes in M. alba and those in three other species: A. thaliana, P. trichocarpa, and Zea mays. Expression profiles from RNA-Seq data displayed distinct expression patterns of XTH genes in M. alba leaf tissue during Mg treatments. Real-time quantitative PCR analysis confirmed the expression of the MaXTH genes in Mg stress response. Overall, this research enhances our understanding of the characteristics of MaXTH gene family members and lays the foundation for future functional genomic study in M. alba.

Comparative Physio-Biochemical and Transcriptome Analyses Reveal Contrasting Responses to Magnesium Imbalances in Leaves of Mulberry (Morus alba L.) Plants

“…We reported in our previous studies that Mg deficiency and toxicity pose direct consequences to plant morpho-physiological parameters, including biomass production, carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) fixation, and protection against photooxidative stress, which lead to reduction in yield, growth, and development of plants [19]. For plants to cope with these stresses, plants have evolved cascades of regulatory mechanisms, including the development of unique gene families, viz., Xyloglucan endotransglucosylase/hydrolases (XTHs), endoglucanases, pectinesterase, pectin/pectate lyase-like (PLL), and polygalacturonase, which are implicated in regulating cell wall plasticity and wall-loosening [55,56]. In this study, cell wall-related genes were altered when plants were exposed to varied Mg levels for a period of 20 d. For example, with the exception of induced-Mg-deficiency plants, cell wall genes such as EP3 (endochitinase EP3; XP_010094102.1), GATL4 (probable galacturonosyltransferase-like 4; XP_010105689.1), and WAT1 (plant-drug/metabolite exporter; MSTRG.6737) were significantly upregulated in the other treatment, including toxicity (Figure 8A), highlighting that these genes might be involved in the response of growing cells to cellulose and maintenance of cell wall integrity.…”