Characterization and Expression Analysis of the UDP Glycosyltransferase Family in Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.)

UDP glycosyltransferases (UGTs) play an indispensable role in regulating signaling pathways and intracellular homeostasis plants by catalyzing the glycosylation of metabolites. To date, molecular characteristics potential biological functions UGT gene family pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) remain elusive. In this study, a total 120 PgUGT genes were identified genome. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that these PgUGTs clustered into 15 groups: 13 conserved groups (A–J L–N) two newly discovered (P R). Structural showed most members same evolutionary branch shared similar motifs structures. Gene duplication demonstrated tandem fragment primary driving force for expansion family. Expression based on RNA-seq data indicated exhibited various expression profiles different tissues. We further analyzed patterns E L seed coat hard-seeded cultivar ‘Dabenzi’ soft-seeded ‘Tunisia’ at developmental stages. There eight with high levels both cultivars: PgUGTE10 was highly expressed inner outer coats; PgUGTE20, PgUGTE21, PgUGTL6, PgUGTL11, PgUGTL12 mainly coat; PgUGTE12 PgUGTL13 coat. Interestingly, relative PgUGTL11 higher than ‘Dabenzi’. seedlings, quantitative real-time PCR level induced brassinolide treatment, while up-regulated indole-3-acetic acid treatment. addition, expressions correlated involved hormone lignin biosynthesis pathways. These results suggested are candidate hardness development specific substrates.