Genome-wide identification and characterization of major latex-like protein genes responsible for crop contamination in Cucurbita pepo

Abstract

BackgroundZucchini plants (Cucurbita pepo) accumulate persistent organic pollutants (POPs) at high concentrations in their aerial parts, and major latex-like proteins (MLPs) play crucial roles in their accumulation. MLPs bind to POPs in root cells, MLP-POP complexes are then translocated into xylem vessels, and POPs are transported to the aerial parts. We previously identified three CpMLP genes (MLP-PG1, MLP-GR1, and MLP-GR3) as transporting factors for POPs; however, other studies have shown that the genomes of several plant species contain more than 10 MLP genes, thus, further MLP genes responsible for POP accumulation may have been overlooked. Methods and ResultsHere, we investigated the number of CpMLP genes by performing a hidden Markov model search against the C. pepo genome database and characterized their effects on POP accumulation by performing the expression analysis in the organs and in silico structural analysis. The C. pepo genome contained 21 CpMLP genes, and several CpMLP genes, including MLP-PG1 and MLP-GR3, were highly expressed in roots. 3D structural prediction showed that all examined CpMLPs contained a cavity with a hydrophobic region, which facilitated binding to POPs. ConclusionsThe present study provides insights regarding CpMLP genes responsible for POP accumulation.

Genome-Wide Evolutionary Characterization and Expression Analysis of Major Latex Protein (MLP) Family Genes in Tomato

“…Based on chromosome length and gene location information obtained from the tomato genome annotation file (ITAG 4.0), the localization of the SlMLP genes on the corresponding chromosome was determined by TBtools. Homologous gene pairs and synonymous relationships for the MLP gene family in tomato were determined using the Multiple Covariance Scanning Toolkit (MCScanX)(1.0) software [62] and default parameters. MLP gene duplication and homologous genetic relationships of MLP genes in tomato and other species (Arabidopsis, cucumber, and apple) were visualized using TBtools.…”

Genome-Wide Characterization and Expression Analyses of Major Latex Protein Gene Family in Populus simonii × P. nigra

“…MLPs are a family of plant-specific proteins that have been demonstrated to play significant roles in both abiotic and biotic stress responses, as well as plant growth and development [ 9 , 33 , 34 ]. Although MLPs have been found in a wide variety of plants, and some of these have been subjected to related gene family investigations, for poplar, a model plant used in forest tree genomics research, there are not yet any published MLP genes.…”

Ferric Oxide Nanomaterials and Plant-Rhizobacteria Symbionts Cogenerate Iron Plaque for Removing Highly Chlorinated Contaminants in Dryland Soils

“…The biological and physical mechanisms involved in PCB101 prevention of alfalfa according to the previous studies, including mlp genes, lipid layer, and iron plaque, were investigated. Briefly, the relative expression of the POPs-transport gene mlp in alfalfa lateral root was analyzed after total RNA extraction, cDNA reverse transcription, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) as described in Text S10. For the observation of root lipid layer, 5 μm paraffin sectioning of the root was deparaffinized and then stained with Sudan III to color the lipid red as described in Text S11.…”