In-Silico Identification, Expressional Profile and Regulatory Network Analysis of Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase Kinase Kinase (MAPKKK) Gene Family in Tea (C. Sinensis)

Abstract

Background: Mitogen activated protein kinase kinase kinase (MAPKKK) form the upstream component of MAPK cascade. It is well characterized in several plants such as Arabidopsis and rice however the knowledge about MAPKKKs in tea plant is largely unknown.Result: In the present study, MAPKKK genes of tea were obtained through a genome wide search using Arabidopsis thaliana as the reference genome. Among 59 candidate MAPKKK genes in tea, 17 genes were MEKK-like, 31 genes were Raf-like and 11 genes were ZIK- like. Additionally, phylogenetic relationships were established along with structural analysis which includes gene structure, its location as well as conserved motifs and functional domain signatures that were systematically examined and further, predictions were validated by the results. Also, on the basis of orthologous genes in Arabidopsis, functional interaction was carried out in C. sinensis. The expressional profiles indicated major involvement of MAPKKKK genes from tea in response to various abiotic stress factors.Conclusion: The present study provides the targets for additional inclusive identification, functional study, and also might provide comprehensive knowledge for a better understanding of the MAPKKK cascade regulatory network in C. sinensis.