Structural and functional analyses of genes encoding VQ proteins in apple
Qinglong Dong1, Shuang Zhao2, Dingyue Duan2
1State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas/Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Apple, College of Horticulture, Northwest A and F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, PR China; Research Institute of Pomology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Xingcheng, Liaoning 125100, PR China.
Summary
Apple VQ proteins interact with WRKY transcription factors, influencing plant growth. This study identified 49 apple VQ genes, analyzed their evolution, structure, and function, providing insights into plant development and defense mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Plant Molecular Biology
- Genomics
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- Valine-glutamine (VQ) motif-containing proteins are known to interact with WRKY transcription factors in Arabidopsis and soybean.
- The evolutionary history, structural characteristics, and functional roles of VQ proteins in apple (Malus domestica) remain largely unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize apple VQ genes.
- To investigate the evolutionary relationships, protein-protein interaction networks, and functional roles of apple VQ proteins, particularly their interaction with WRKY transcription factors.
- To provide a foundation for understanding WRKY-VQ interactions in apple development and defense.
Main Methods:
- Bioinformatic analysis for gene identification and evolutionary clustering.
- Structural analysis to predict protein-protein interactions between apple VQ (MdVQ) and WRKY (MdWRKY) proteins.
- Functional analysis through overexpression in heterologous systems (Arabidopsis and tobacco).
Main Results:
- Identified 49 apple VQ genes, clustering them into nine groups with homologues from 33 species.
- Evolutionary analysis suggests distinct origins for different VQ protein groups relative to the monocot-dicot split.
- Structural analysis revealed MdVQ proteins interact with specific MdWRKY groups, and some MdVQ proteins form homo- and heterodimers.
- Overexpression of certain MdVQs in Arabidopsis and tobacco impacted vegetative and reproductive growth.
Conclusions:
- The study provides comprehensive insights into the evolution, structure, and function of apple VQ genes.
- Apple VQ proteins exhibit specific interactions with MdWRKY proteins and can form homo- and heterodimers.
- MdVQ genes play roles in regulating plant vegetative and reproductive growth, highlighting their importance in apple development and defense mechanisms.
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