Transcriptome mining, functional characterization, and phylogeny of a large terpene synthase gene family in spruce (Picea spp.).

ABSTRACT:

Background

In conifers, terpene synthases (TPSs) of the gymnosperm-specific TPS-d subfamily form a diverse array of mono-, sesqui-, and diterpenoid compounds, which are components of the oleoresin secretions and volatile emissions. These compounds contribute to defence against herbivores and pathogens and perhaps also protect against abiotic stress.

Results

The availability of extensive transcriptome resources in the form of expressed sequence tags (ESTs) and full-length cDNAs in several spruce (Picea) species allowed us to estimate that a conifer genome contains at least 69 unique and transcriptionally active TPS genes. This number is comparable to the number of TPSs found in any of the sequenced and well-annotated angiosperm genomes. We functionally characterized a total o

SUBMITTER: Keeling CI 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3058080 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature