Biotechnology Bulletin ›› 2024, Vol. 40 ›› Issue (1): 250-261.doi: 10.13560/j.cnki.biotech.bull.1985.2023-0326

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Identification and Analysis of WRKY Gene Family in Rheum palmatum L.

WU Zhen1,2,3(), ZHANG Ming-Ying1,2, YAN Feng1,2,3(), LI Yi-min1,2,3, GAO Jing1,2,3, YAN Yong-Gang1,3, ZHANG Gang1,2,3()   

  1. 1. Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine of Pharmacy/Shaanxi Qinling Chinese Herbal Medicine Application Development Engineering Technology Research Center, Xi'an 712046
    2. State Key Laboratory of Research and Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources[Cultivation], Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang 712083
    3. Key Laboratory for Research and Development of “Qin Medicine” of Shaanxi Administration of Chinese Medicine, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an 712046
  • Received:2023-04-07 Online:2024-01-26 Published:2024-02-06
  • Contact: YAN Feng, ZHANG Gang E-mail:969776485@qq.com;fengyan115@163.com;jay_gumling2003@aliyun.com

Abstract:

【Objective】This study provides a basis for the functional verification of WRKY genes, and then provide a scientific basis for the transcriptional regulation mechanism research into rhubarb quality formation. 【Method】In this study, we identified WRKY gene family members in R. palmatum L. based on full-length transcriptome data, and performed a series of bioinformatics analysis, including physicochemical properties, protein domains and phylogenetic tree. RNA-seq was used for gene tissue expression analysis, along with expression profile in response to MeJA treatment. 【Result】53 gene members in RpWRKYs family with complete ORFs, and the numbers of amino acids encoding the protein ranged from 192 to 748 bp, all were hydrophilic proteins, and the predicted localization was all in the nucleus. RpWRKYs combined with A. thaliana WRKYs were clustered into three groups, i.e., subgroup I, II and III, and group II with the highest number of WRKYs, accounting for 58.49%. The RNA-seq analysis revealed that RpWRKYs were differentially expressed in the roots, rhizomes and leaves of R. palmatum L., seven of them genes were highly expressed in the roots and rhizomes. Twelve RpWRKY genes showed differential expressions in the response to MeJA treatment, ten of them were significantly induced by MeJA. The expression profile of RpWRKY5, RpWRKY6, RpWRKY9 and RpWRKY33 verified by qPCR was almost consistent with the transcriptome results. RpWRKY2, RpWRKY16, RpWRKY20, RpWRKY22 and RpWRKY23 interacted with chalcone synthase (CHS) gene. 【Conclusion】Expression profiles of 53 R. palmatum L. WRKY genes, bioinformatics, tissues and response to MeJA were obtained, five of which may be related to the synthesis of rhubarb anthraquinones.

Key words: Rheum palmatum L., RpWRKY, transcription factor, gene expression, MeJA