Genome-Wide Identification, Characterization, and Expression Analysis of Orphan Genes Within Coriander

Area of Science:

• Genomics
• Plant Biology
• Bioinformatics

Background:

• Orphan genes (OGs) lack similarity to known genes, playing roles in lineage-specific traits and stress responses.
• Advancements in sequencing technologies facilitate the identification and characterization of OGs in various plant species.
• Understanding OGs is vital for exploring novel biological functions and evolutionary adaptations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and characterize orphan genes (OGs) in Coriandrum sativum (coriander).
• To analyze the genomic features, chromosomal distribution, and expression patterns of coriander OGs (CsOGs).
• To investigate the potential role of CsOGs in response to cold stress.

Main Methods:

• Comparative genomics using BLAST to identify OGs, Apiaceae-specific genes (ASGs), and evolutionarily conserved genes (ECGs).
• Genic feature analysis comparing length, exon count, and GC content.
• RNA-Seq and qRT-PCR for analyzing gene expression in different tissues, growth stages, and under cold stress.

Main Results:

• Identified 941 CsOGs, 1298 ASGs, and 38,508 ECGs in Coriandrum sativum.
• CsOGs and ASGs exhibited shorter lengths, fewer multi-exon genes, and higher GC content compared to ECGs.
• Seveny-one CsOGs showed unique tissue expression, 61 had specific expression across growth stages, and five CsOGs were significantly upregulated under cold stress.

Conclusions:

• This study provides a comprehensive analysis of coriander orphan genes (CsOGs).
• CsOGs possess distinct genomic features and expression profiles.
• Five specific CsOGs demonstrate a crucial role in cold stress response, offering targets for future research.