Sequence analysis of GDSL lipase gene family in Arabidopsis thaliana

To analyze sequence characters of GDSL lipase gene family in Arabidopsis thaliana, 108 members of GDSL lipases were analyzed using data mining. The gene structures display remarkable diversity, consisting of zero to 13 introns. And the genes are asymmetrically distributed in chromosome 1-5, some of which are arranged in tandem. Phylogenetically, they were classified into three groups. Lipase-GDSL domain (PF00478) is housed at or close to N-terminus, or in the middle of amino acid sequences, additionally in which other domains and replicates were also found. Most GDSL lipases contain a signal peptide for conducting the secretary pathway. They are predicted to be extracellularly secreted, or target to mitochondria, chloroplast or any other parts of the cells. Functionally, these lipases are potentially involved in multiple physiological roles including seed germination, flowering and defense reactions. This study will help further understand the sequences and functions of Arabidopsis GDSL lipases.