Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of U-box gene family in wild emmer wheat (Triticum turgidum L. ssp. dicoccoides)

In this study, 82 U-box genes were identified in wild emmer wheat (TdPUBs) through a genome-search method. Phylogenetic analysis classified them into seven groups and the genes belonging to the same group shared the similar exon-intron structure, motif organization and cis-element compositions. Synteny analysis of the U-box genes between different species revealed that segmental duplication and polyploidization mainly contributed to the expansion of TdPUBs. Furthermore, the genetic variations of U-box were investigated in wild emmer, domesticated emmer and durum wheat. Results showed that significant genetic bottleneck has occurred during evolution process of tetraploid wheat. Meanwhile, 12 TdPUBs were co-located with known domestication related QTLs. Finally, the tissue-specific and stress-responsive TdPUB genes were identified through RNA-seq analysis. Combined with qPCR validation of 19 salt-responsive TdPUBs, the candidates involving in salt response were obtained. It lays the foundation to better understand the regulatory roles of U-box family in emmer wheat and beyond.PMID:34274467 | DOI:10.1016/j.gene.2021.145840
Source: Gene - Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Authors: Source Type: research