Evolutionary and functional characterization of tea plant DELLA proteins
Chao Huang1, Changqing Ding2, Junwei Tang2
1College of Tea Science and Tea Culture, Zhejiang A & F University, Hangzhou, 311300, China; Key Laboratory of Biology, Genetics and Breeding of Special Economic Animals and Plants, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/National Center for Tea Plant Improvement/State Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Germplasm Innovation and Resource Utilization, Tea Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, 10008, China.
DELLA proteins regulate tea plant growth by interacting with gibberellins (GAs). Inhibiting CsDELLA2 and CsDELLA4 expression promotes bud sprouting, revealing their negative role in bud break.
Area of Science:
- Plant Molecular Biology
- Plant Physiology
- Genomics
Background:
- DELLA proteins are crucial negative regulators of gibberellin (GA) signaling pathways.
- GA signaling influences plant development, including morphogenesis and ontogeny.
- Understanding DELLA protein function in perennial crops like tea plants is vital.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize DELLA proteins in Camellia sinensis var. assamica (CSA) and Camellia sinensis var. sinensis (CSS).
- To investigate the evolutionary trajectories and functional roles of DELLA proteins in tea plants, particularly in bud sprouting.
- To elucidate the interaction between DELLA proteins and GA receptors (GID1) in response to GA treatment.
Main Methods:
- Pan-genome analysis to identify DELLA protein genes in CSA and CSS.
- Phylogenetic analysis to determine evolutionary relationships.
- Gene expression analysis in different tissues and during seasonal transitions.
- Subcellular localization studies.
- Protein-protein interaction assays (yeast two-hybrid).
- Gene silencing (RNA interference) to assess function in bud sprouting.
Main Results:
- Eight representative DELLA proteins were identified and phylogenetically classified into five groups.
- Five DELLA proteins, including a novel CsDELLA5, were identified in Longjing43 and showed distinct expression patterns.
- DELLA proteins were primarily localized in the nucleus, with CsDELLA2 also found in the cytoplasm.
- Gibberellins (GAs) significantly enhanced the interaction between CsDELLA2/4/5 and CsGID1a/b.
- Inhibition of CsDELLA2 and CsDELLA4 expression led to increased bud sprouting, confirming their negative regulatory role.
Conclusions:
- DELLA proteins play a significant role in regulating tea plant growth and development, particularly bud break.
- The interaction between DELLA proteins and GID1 receptors is crucial for GA signaling in tea plants.
- This study provides a foundation for further research on DELLA protein functions in tea and other plant species.
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