Genome-Wide Characterization and Gene Expression Analyses of GATA Transcription Factors in Moso Bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis)

Abstract

Moso bamboo is well-known for its rapid-growth shoots and widespread rhizomes. However, the regulatory genes of these two processes are largely unexplored. GATA transcription factors regulate many developmental processes, but their roles in moso bamboo height control and rhizome development remains unexplored. Here, thirty-one bamboo GATA factors (PeGATAs) were identified, which are evolutionarily closer to rice than Arabidopsis, and their gene expression patterns were analyzed in bamboo development and phytohormone response with bioinformatics and molecular methods. Interestingly, PeGATAs could only be classified into three groups. Phytohormone responsive cis-elements were found in PeGATA promoters and the expression profiles showed that PeGATA genes might respond to gibberellin acid and abscisic acid but not to auxin at the transcriptional level. Furthermore, PeGATA genes have a tissue-specific expression pattern in bamboo rhizomes. Interestingly, most PeGATA genes were down-regulated during the rapid-growth of bamboo shoots. In addition, over-expressing one of the PeGATA genes, PeGATA26, significantly repressed the primary root length and plant height of transgenic Arabidopsis plants, which may be achieved by promoting the gibberellin acid turnover. Overall, our results provide insight into the function of GATA transcription factors in bamboo, and into genetic resources for engineering plant height.

Genome-wide identification, phylogenetic and expression pattern analysis of GATA family genes in Brassica napus

“…According to these studies, the GATA genes from dicotyledons, but not from monocots, could be strictly divided into four subfamilies. In our study, we also find that the subfamilies I, II and III of the GATA genes simultaneously occur in both dicotyledons and monocots, but the subfamily IV genes did not exist in monocots [2,6]. It demonstrated that the subfamily IV of GATA genes appeared after the divergence between dicotyledon and monocot.…”

“…In previous studies, the GATA family genes were systematically investigated in A. thaliana and O. sativa [2,40], Solanum lycopersicum [5], Vitis vinifera [8], Phyllostachys edulis [6] and Gossypium genues [7,9]. According to these studies, the GATA genes from dicotyledons, but not from monocots, could be strictly divided into four subfamilies.…”

“…The GATA genes could recognize and bind to the (T/A)GATA(A/G) sequences to regulate the transcription levels of their downstream genes [3,4]. The DNA binding domains of the GATA proteins contain a type IV zinc finger structure C-X 2 -C-X 17-20 -C-X 2 -C and a conserved basic follow region, and most of them featured with C-X 2 -C-X 18 -C-X 2 -C or C-X 2 -C-X 20 -C-X 2 -C zinc finger domains [2,3,5,6]. Generally, the GATA family genes could be divided into four subfamilies as subfamily I, II, III and IV in Arabidopsis thaliana based on the phylogenetic relationships, DNA binding domains and intron-exon structures [2,5,[7][8][9].…”

Transcriptional analysis reveals key insights into seasonal induced anthocyanin degradation and leaf color transition in purple tea (Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze)

“…Interestingly, peroxidase mediated anthocyanin degradation via direct oxidation of anthocyanin molecules, or first deglycosylation of sugar moieties by β-glucosidases followed by peroxidase oxidation (Fig. 5 a) has been reported in ornamental kales 21 . Similarly, epicatechin-mediated laccase degradation of anthocyanin via oxidation of epicatechin molecules to quinones followed by polymerization with anthocyanin leading its deglycosylation (Fig.…”

“…Likewise, few previous studies focused on developmental transition associated flavonoid/anthocyanin accumulation and leaf color change to attainment of maturity 17 – 20 . Additionally, recent studies in various plant species have revealed the involvement anthocyanin degradation enzymes [beta-glucosidases, polyphenol oxidase (PPO), class III peroxidases (POD) and laccases], and well-coordinated plant hormone signaling pathways in regulation of anthocyanin accumulation 21 , 22 . Interestingly, the role of PPO, POD and beta-glucosidases in oxidation of flavonol glycosides responsible for bitter-taste and astringency in tea was recently reported 23 .…”