Genome-wide identification, expression profiling, and protein interaction analysis of the CCoAOMT gene family in the tea plant (Camellia sinensis)

Abstract

Background The caffeoyl-CoA-O methyltransferase (CCoAOMT) family plays a crucial role in the oxidative methylation of phenolic substances and is involved in various plant processes, including growth, development, and stress response. However, there is a limited understanding of the interactions among CCoAOMT protein members in tea plants. Results In this study, we identified 10 members of the CsCCoAOMT family in the genome of Camellia sinensis (cultivar ‘HuangDan’), characterized by conserved gene structures and motifs. These CsCCoAOMT members were located on six different chromosomes (1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 14). Based on phylogenetic analysis, CsCCoAOMT can be divided into two groups: I and II. Notably, the CsCCoAOMT members of group Ia are likely to be candidate genes involved in lignin biosynthesis. Moreover, through the yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) assay, we established protein interaction networks for the CsCCoAOMT family, revealing 9 pairs of members with interaction relationships. Conclusions We identified the CCoAOMT gene family in Camellia sinensis and conducted a comprehensive analysis of their classifications, phylogenetic and synteny relationships, gene structures, protein interactions, tissue-specific expression patterns, and responses to various stresses. Our findings shed light on the evolution and composition of CsCCoAOMT. Notably, the observed interaction among CCoAOMT proteins suggests the potential formation of the O-methyltransferase (OMT) complex during the methylation modification process, expanding our understanding of the functional roles of this gene family in diverse biological processes.

Joint GWAS and WGCNA Identify Genes Regulating the Isoflavone Content in Soybean Seeds

“…In citrus, CreOMT1, CreOMT2, and CreOMT5 catalyze reactions with flavonoids. 55 Wang et al 56 predicted 27 functional groups interacting with CsCCoAOMT and 77 transcription factors regulating CsCCoAOMT expression using Y2H analysis, the PlantTFDB database, and the STRING database, most of which were in the flavonoid synthesis pathway, including C4H, 4CL, and HCT. This suggests that the GmOMT7 gene affects isoflavone synthesis.…”