Abstract
BackgroundGDSL esterases/lipases are a large protein subfamily defined by the distinct GDSL motif, and play important roles in plant development and stress responses. However, few studies have reported on the role of GDSLs in the growth and development of axillary buds. This work aims to identify the GDSL family members in tobacco and explore whether the NtGDSL gene contributes to development of the axillary bud in tobacco.ResultsOne hundred fifty-nine GDSL esterase/lipase genes from cultivated tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) were identified, and the dynamic changes in the expression levels of 93 of these genes in response to topping, as assessed using transcriptome data of topping-induced axillary shoots, were analysed. In total, 13 GDSL esterase/lipase genes responded with changes in expression level. To identify genes and promoters that drive the tissue-specific expression in tobacco apical and axillary buds, the expression patterns of these 13 genes were verified using qRT-PCR. GUS activity and a lethal gene expression pattern driven by the NtGDSL127 promoter in transgenic tobacco demonstrated that NtGDSL127 is specifically expressed in apical buds, axillary buds, and flowers. Three separate deletions in the NtGDSL127 promoter demonstrated that a minimum upstream segment of 235 bp from the translation start site can drive the tissue-specific expression in the apical meristem. Additionally, NtGDSL127 responded to phytohormones, providing strategies for improving tobacco breeding and growth.ConclusionWe propose that in tobacco, the NtGDSL127 promoter directs expression specifically in the apical meristem and that expression is closely correlated with axillary bud development.
Highlights
GDSL esterases/lipases are a large protein subfamily defined by the distinct GDSL motif, and play important roles in plant development and stress responses
Identification and phylogenetic analysis of GDSL family members in tobacco To identify GDSL genes in tobacco, an HMM search was performed against the reannotated tobacco protein sequences using the Pfam GDSL domain (PF00657) as the query
A total of 159 non-redundant GDSL family proteins were identified in tobacco, which was more than has been identified in any other species
Summary
GDSL esterases/lipases are a large protein subfamily defined by the distinct GDSL motif, and play important roles in plant development and stress responses. Few studies have reported on the role of GDSLs in the growth and development of axillary buds. This work aims to identify the GDSL family members in tobacco and explore whether the NtGDSL gene contributes to development of the axillary bud in tobacco. The control of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) apical and axillary bud development before and after topping is a research focus in tobacco agriculture. Two types of genes are known to be involved in axillary bud formation and regulation. One type is involved in the initiation of the axillary meristem and includes GRAS, MYB, and NAC transcription factors. The other type is involved in the regulation of axillary bud growth and includes F-box protein, and knott-like and SPL transcription factors.
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