Evolution and functional divergence of glycosyltransferase genes shaped the quality and cold tolerance of tea plants.

ABSTRACT: Plant uridine diphosphate-dependent glycosyltransferases (UGTs) play a key role in plant growth and metabolism. Here, we examined the evolutionary landscape among UGTs in 28 fully sequenced species from early algae to angiosperms. Our findings revealed a distinctive expansion and contraction of UGTs in the G and H groups in tea (Camellia sinensis), respectively. Whole-genome duplication and tandem duplication events jointly drove the massive expansion of UGTs, and the interplay of natural and artificial selection has resulted in marked functional divergence within the G group of the sinensis-type tea population. In Cluster II of group G, differences in substrate selection (e.g. abscisic acid) of the enzymes encoded by UGT genes led to their functional diversification, and these genes influ

SUBMITTER: Wang J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11663605 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature