Genome-wide identification and characterization of Glutathione S-Transferases (GSTs) and their expression profile under abiotic stresses in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.)

Abstract

Background Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are large and multifunctional proteases that play an important role in detoxification, protection against biotic and abiotic stresses, and secondary metabolite transportation which is essential for plant growth and development. However, there is limited research on the identification and function of NtGSTs. Results This study uses K326 and other six tobacco varieties (Hongda, HG, GDH11, Va116, VG, and GDH88) as materials to conduct comprehensive genome-wide identification and functional characterization of the GST gene in tobacco. A total of 59 NtGSTs were identified and classified into seven subfamilies via the whole-genome sequence analysis, with the Tau type serving as the major subfamily. The NtGSTs in the same branch of the evolutionary tree had similar exon/intron structure and motif constitution. There were more than 42 collinear blocks between tobacco and pepper, tomato, and potato, indicating high homology conservation between them. Twelve segmental duplicated gene pairs and one tandem duplication may have had a substantial impact on the evolution and expansion of the tobacco GST gene family. The RT-qPCR results showed that the expression patterns of NtGSTs varied significantly among tissues, varieties, and multiple abiotic stresses, suggesting that NtGST genes may widely respond to various abiotic stresses and hormones in tobacco, including NtGSTF4, NtGSTL1, NtGSTZ1, and NtGSTU40. Conclusions This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the NtGST gene family, including structures and functions. Many NtGSTs play a critical regulatory role in tobacco growth and development, and responses to abiotic stresses. These findings offer novel and valuable insights for understanding the biological function of NtGSTs and the reference materials for cultivating highly resistant varieties and enhancing the yield and quality of crops.

Genome-Wide Identification of Glutathione S-Transferase Genes in Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) Reveals Their Potential Role in Anthocyanin Accumulation on the Fruit Peel

“…The GST is grouped into different subclasses such as TAU, Phi, Lambda, Zeta, TCHQD, Theta, GHR, EF1B and DHAR based on the previous report [45]. Identification of GST genes in other plant species has been reported; for example, 55 GSTs in Arabidopsis [46], 38 GSTs from the apple (Malus domestica [38] and 82 GSTs in radish (Raphanus sativus) [47], 90 in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) [48], 90 in tomato [49], 74 in soybean (Glycine max) [50], 85 in pepper (Capsicum annuum) [51], 92 in grapes (Vitis vinifera) [52], 57 in pear (Pyrus communis L.) [43] and 59 in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) [53]. In this study, 40 GSTs were found in the eggplant genome and subsequently characterized (Table 1).…”