Molecular cloning and tissue expression analyses of a UF3GT gene from Capsicum annuum L.

Abstract

In the present study, a novel gene designated as UF3GT was isolated from Capsicum annuum L. Sequence and structural analysis determined that the UF3GT protein, which contained 1401 base pairs encodes 447 amino acids and belongs to the Glycosyltransferase-GTB-type superfamily. The isoelectric point and the molecular weight of this gene are 5.97 and 49589, respectively. The deduced amino acid sequence shows highly identity with known anthocyanin synthases in other species. The phylogenetic tree analysis revealed that the C. annuum L. UF3GT has a closer genetic relationship with the UF3GT of petunia (Petunia x hybrida). The RT-PCR gene expression analysis indicated that the UF3GT gene was mostly expressed in pericarp, moderately expressed in stem, leaf, flower, placenta and seed, whereas no expression signal was detected in root. The study established the primary foundation for further research on this C. annuum L. gene.