Genome-Wide Identification and Comparative Analysis of WRKY Transcription Factors Related to Momilactone Biosynthesis in Calohypnum plumiforme

Abstract

Momilactones are diterpenoid phytoalexins with allelopathic functions, which have been found in the widely distributed bryophyte Calohypnum plumiforme. Clustered genes containing CpDTC1/HpDTC1, CpCYP970A14, CpCYP964A1, and CpMAS are involved in momilactone biosynthesis. Besides, momilactone concentration in C. plumiforme is affected by heavy metal treatment such as CuCl2. However, transcription factors which might regulate momilactone biosynthesis are unclear. WRKY transcription factors (TFs) regulate phytoalexin biosynthesis in many plant species. In this study, a systematic analysis of the WRKY TFs was performed according to the C. plumiforme genome. A total of 19 CpWRKY genes were identified and categorized into five subgroups based on their phylogenetic relationship. Conserved domain and motif analysis suggested that the WRKY domain was highly conserved, but there were some variations. Cis-acting elements and binding sites analysis implied that CpWRKY genes might be induced by stress and further regulate the biosynthesis of momilactones. Our study lays a foundation for further functional characterization of the candidate CpWRKY genes involved in the regulation of momilactone biosynthesis, and provides new strategies for increasing momilactone production.

Natural immunity stimulation using ELICE16INDURES® plant conditioner in field culture of soybean

“…The main function of this enzyme is the activation of momilactone A-synthase (OsMAS). Phytoalexin momilactone-A is a diterpenoid-type secondary metabolite involved in the plant's defense mechanism and produced in the phenylpropanoid biosynthetic pathway [ 43 ]. The formation of momilactone-A is induced by both abiotic and biotic stressors [ 44 , 45 ].…”

Advances in the Research on Plant WRKY Transcription Factors Responsive to External Stresses

“…The role of WRKY transcription factors during the biosynthesis of natural products [ 103 ] has recently become a topic of interest among researchers. The WRKY family of transcription factors is involved in plant metabolic processes that result in the production of many secondary metabolites, including lignin, plant hormones, phenols, alkaloids, terpenes, and flavonoids.…”