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Evolutionary, structural and expression analysis of core genes involved in starch synthesis
Jianzhou Qu1,2, Shutu Xu1,2, Zhengquan Zhang1,2
1The key Laboratory of Biology and Genetics Improvement of Maize in Arid Area of Northwest Region, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Agronomy, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China.
Scientific Reports
|August 26, 2018
Summary
This study reveals complex evolutionary paths for key starch biosynthesis genes in plants, driven by gene duplications. Understanding these evolutionary changes in ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase (AGPase), starch synthase (SS), starch branching enzyme (SBE), and starch de-branching enzyme (DBE) is crucial.
Area of Science:
- Plant molecular biology
- Evolutionary genomics
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Starch is a vital plant carbohydrate, but its biosynthesis pathway and enzyme diversity remain incompletely understood.
- Key enzymes include ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase (AGPase), starch synthase (SS), starch branching enzyme (SBE), and starch de-branching enzyme (DBE).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the evolutionary history of genes encoding the four core starch biosynthesis enzymes (AGPase, SS, SBE, DBE) across 74 plant genomes.
- To analyze protein structures and expression patterns to understand functional divergence.
- To provide a comprehensive atlas of the starch biosynthetic pathway evolution.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive phylogenetic analysis of 74 sequenced plant genomes.
- Structural analysis of AGPase, SS, SBE, and DBE proteins.
- Expression profiling of genes involved in starch biosynthesis.
Main Results:
- Genes for AGPase, SS, SBE, and DBE have complex evolutionary histories, with gene/genome duplications explaining isoform number variations.
- Amino acid changes in active sites led to structural variations and sub- or neo-functionalization.
- These genes display distinct spatio-temporal expression patterns, influencing functional complex formation.
Conclusions:
- Gene duplication is a major driver of diversity in starch biosynthesis enzymes.
- Structural and expression variations contribute to the functional divergence of AGPase, SS, SBE, and DBE.
- This study offers valuable insights into starch biosynthesis and enzyme evolution in plants.
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