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Transcriptome Analysis Identifies Key Genes Responsible for Red Coleoptiles in Triticum Monococcum
Dong Cao1,2, Jiequn Fan3, Xingyuan Xi4
1Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Crop Molecular Breeding, Xining 810008, Qinghai, China. caodong@nwipb.cas.cn.
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
|March 15, 2019
Summary
A gene mutation in Triticum monococcum causes white coleoptiles, hindering crop resilience. Researchers identified TmMYB-A1 as the likely gene responsible for red coleoptiles, with loss-of-function mutations leading to the white phenotype.
Area of Science:
- Plant genetics and molecular biology
- Crop science and agricultural research
Background:
- Red coleoptiles in crops enhance stress tolerance.
- Previous studies identified key genes for red coleoptiles in wheat relatives (Triticum aestivum, Triticum urartu, Aegilops tauschii).
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the candidate gene controlling white coleoptiles in Triticum monococcum.
- To investigate the genetic basis of anthocyanin biosynthesis related to coleoptile color.
Main Methods:
- Transcriptome analysis of white and red coleoptile cultivars in T. monococcum.
- Identification of anthocyanin biosynthesis genes using BLAST analysis.
- Comparison of transcript levels and sequencing of candidate genes.
Main Results:
- Fifteen structural genes and two transcription factors involved in anthocyanin biosynthesis were identified.
- Lower transcript levels of most structural genes were observed in white coleoptiles compared to red.
- A loss-of-function mutation in the TmMYB-A1 gene, causing premature termination, was found in white coleoptiles.
Conclusions:
- TmMYB-A1 is the likely candidate gene controlling the red coleoptile trait in T. monococcum.
- A specific nucleotide deletion in TmMYB-A1 leads to a non-functional protein and the white coleoptile phenotype.
- Understanding this genetic mechanism can aid in developing more resilient crop varieties.
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