Genome-wide identification and characterization of the fatty acid desaturase gene family in Vanilla planifolia

Abstract

• We identify and characterize 18 FAD genes in the Vanilla planifolia genome. • FAD expression differs between different plant tissues and development stages. • Some VpFAD genes were found to participate in the interaction between Vanilla planifolia and Fusarium oxysporium . Fatty acid desaturase (FAD) plays an essential role in plants; however, FAD genes have not previously been characterized in orchids. Vanilla planifolia is a valuable natural spice in the family Orchidaceae. In this study, we identified 18 FAD genes in this species and analyzed their protein characteristics, chromosome distribution, phylogeny, gene structure, and conserved motifs. Transcriptome data analysis showed that the 18 genes showed different expression patterns in six tissues (seed, placental laminae, mesocarp, hair, stem, and leaf) and various stages of seed development (6 weeks, 8 weeks, 10 weeks, 3 months, 5 months, and 6 months). In addition, the expression profile of infected Fusarium oxysporum indicated that the FAD genes play an essential role in dealing with pathogen invasion. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the FAD family in Vanilla planifolia as well as information on pathogen immunity, which can provide a reference for further functional research.