Genome-Wide Identification and Functional Analysis of The FRA8 Gene Family in Eucalyptus Grandis
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54097/zwcmv804Keywords:
FRA8 gene family; Grand eucalyptus; Whole-genome identification; Xylan- biosynthesis; Wood formation.Abstract
FRA8 is a key glycosyltransferase in the GT47 family that mediates the addition of glucuronic acid side chains to the structural polysaccharide xylan, playing a central role in the formation of plant secondary cell walls and the regulation of wood quality. However, the systematic characteristics of the FRA8 family in woody plants remain unclear, particularly in the fast-growing economic timber species Eucalyptus grandis. This study utilized bioinformatic methods to perform genome-wide identification, evolutionary analysis, and expression characterization of the FRA8 family in E. grandis. Results identified 31 EgrFRA8 genes. Most members contain the conserved Exostosin domain (PF03016) of the GT47 family, while one unique member carries an RXYLT1-like domain. Phylogenetic analysis categorized them into five groups, where members such as EgrFRA8_1-3 are closely related to functionally validated Arabidopsis glucuronyltransferases AtFRA8 and AtFRA8H. Cis-acting elements in promoters were enriched with light, hormone, and stress-responsive motifs, suggesting regulation by abiotic factors. RNA-seq data confirmed high expression of EgrFRA8_2, EgrFRA8_3, and EgrFRA8_26 in immature and mature xylem, suggesting involvement in wood formation. Twenty-nine EgrFRA8 members were mapped to 11 chromosomes, with segmental duplication identified as the primary driver of family expansion. This study provides a systematic analysis of the EgrFRA8 family, offering a basis for elucidating xylan synthesis mechanisms in woody plants and identifying high-priority candidate genes for the genetic improvement of wood quality in E. grandis.
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