Indexing

In-silico Analysis of SMXL Transcription Factor genes in Pigeon Pea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.)

Author: Sreeshma N., Manoj M.L. and Nagendra K.S.

PDF Download PDF

Abstract

Pigeon pea is a hardy crop useful for climate-resilient agriculture and nutritional security. Research on the shoot architecture and plant type of the crop will help produce high-yielding varieties suitable for mechanization. Finding genes to improve shoot architecture in pigeon pea is difficult because there is not a complete genome sequence or data on growth habits in different genotypes. Strigolactone (Sl) is a plant hormone involved in the root and shoot architecture. Understanding the Sl signalling pathway in pigeon pea will help to make varieties with the desired shoot architecture. The Sl signalling pathway involves the degradation of Suppressor of MAX2 Like (SMXL) genes, resulting in the expression of Sl-responsive genes. SMXLs are transcription repressors, and the presence of the RGKT motif is necessary for ubiquitination and degradation of this protein. In this study, seven SMXL genes present in the pigeon peagenome were identified and characterized using in silico methods. Two of the identified CcSMXL genes, namely CcSMXL3 and CcSMXL5, have the RGKT motif. Using the identified genes, the core population can be genotyped for the phenotype. Expression analysis of these genes in pigeon pea germplasm, together with phenotypevariation for shoot architecture, would help establish their association with the trait for utilization of these genes in pigeon pea improvement. Additionally, it will help to enhance the shoot architecture by using breeding and biotechnology tools.

Keywords

Pigeon pea, shoot architecture, Strigolactone, SMXL

Conclusion

In the available genome sequence of pigeonpea, seven CcSMXL genes were identified. The RGKT motif, required for Sl signalling, is present in only two SMXL genes, namely CcSMXL3 and CcSMXL5. The CcSMXL genes appear to have a common phylogenetic ancestry, motif sequences, and functions.

References

-

How to cite this article

Sreeshma N., Manoj M.L. and Nagendra K.S. (2023). In-silico Analysis of SMXL Transcription Factor genes in Pigeon Pea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.). Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(6): 302-305.