Exploring the role and expression pattern of WRKY transcription factor in the growth and development of Bletilla striata based on transcriptome

Abstract

To explore the genetic mechanism of regulating growth and chemical biosynthesis is vital important for further studies and applications in medicinal herbs. WRKY type transcription factors (TFs) play crucial roles in the growth and development of plants. However, a comprehensive analysis of the WRKY family members in a valuable Chinese herbal orchid, Bletilla striata, or in other orchids, is limited. In this study, by applied bioinformatic programs, we screened 29 WRKY genes from former formed database and then identified their functions based on the sequences properties and explore their expression mode, and also identified some SSR molecular markers. Analysis showed that BsWRKY genes may work together to regulate plant growth and development. A single BsWRKY transcription factor may be involved in the regulation of several seemingly different processes in plants. BsWRKY genes play an important regulatory role in the synthesis of Coelonin, Hydroxybenzyl Alcohol, Dactylorhin A and Militarine. Taken together, these results provided a theoretical basis for further studies on the gene functions and regulatory mechanisms of what in B. striata.