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Published on: March 30, 2018
SAUR21-like genes in broccoli and Arabidopsis: Comparative expression and functional characterization
Utsab Ghimire1, Eleni Pliakoni2, Jeffrey K Brecht1
1Horticultural Sciences Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA.
Annals of Botany
|June 29, 2026
Summary
The Small Auxin Up-Regulated RNA (SAUR) gene BoSAUR21-like is downregulated during broccoli senescence. Its Arabidopsis homologue accelerates senescence, suggesting BoSAUR21-like can delay postharvest senescence in broccoli.
Area of Science:
- Plant molecular biology
- Postharvest physiology
- Gene regulation
Background:
- Small Auxin Up-Regulated RNA (SAUR) genes are involved in plant growth and stress responses.
- Broccoli (Brassica oleracea L.) senescence is a critical factor affecting postharvest quality.
- Previous studies identified the BoSAUR gene family as key regulators in broccoli postharvest senescence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression patterns of BoSAUR family genes in broccoli under senescence-delaying treatments.
- To analyze the protein structure and phylogenetic relationships of the BoSAUR family.
- To elucidate the role of BoSAUR21-like in regulating senescence.
Main Methods:
- Genome-wide identification and analysis of BoSAUR genes in broccoli.
- Phylogenetic, motif, and gene structure analyses.
- Expression profiling under various postharvest treatments.
- Functional analysis of the Arabidopsis AtSAUR21 mutant as a homologue.
Main Results:
- BoSAUR21-like was consistently downregulated during broccoli senescence across all tested treatments.
- The BoSAUR21-like gene family exhibits a conserved single-exon structure with common SAUR motifs.
- Analysis of the Arabidopsis AtSAUR21 mutant revealed accelerated leaf senescence and chlorophyll degradation, indicating a conserved role in senescence regulation.
Conclusions:
- BoSAUR21-like is a core senescence-associated gene in broccoli and a potential target for genetic modification.
- The findings suggest that manipulating BoSAUR21-like could delay postharvest senescence in broccoli and other Brassica crops.
- Further functional validation using CRISPR-Cas9 in broccoli is recommended to confirm its role and potential for extending shelf life.
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