Identification of the Cinnamyl Alcohol Dehydrogenase Gene Family in <i>Brassica</i> U-Triangle Species and Its Potential Roles in Response to Abiotic Stress and Regulation of Seed Coat Color in <i>Brassica napus</i> L.
Cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase (CAD) is essential for lignin precursor synthesis and responses to various abiotic stresses in plants. However, the functions of CAD in <i>Brassica</i> species, especially in <i>Brassica napus</i>, remain poorly characterized. In the present stu...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-04-01
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| Series: | Plants |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2223-7747/14/8/1184 |
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| Summary: | Cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase (CAD) is essential for lignin precursor synthesis and responses to various abiotic stresses in plants. However, the functions of CAD in <i>Brassica</i> species, especially in <i>Brassica napus</i>, remain poorly characterized. In the present study, we identified a total of 90 <i>CAD</i> genes across the <i>Brassica</i> U-triangle species, including <i>B. rapa</i>, <i>B. nigra</i>, <i>B. oleracea</i>, <i>B. juncea</i>, <i>B. napus</i>, and <i>B. carinata</i>. Comprehensive analyses of phylogenetic relationships, sequence identity, conserved motifs, gene structure, chromosomal distribution, collinearity, and <i>cis-</i>acting elements were performed. Based on phylogenetic analysis, these genes were categorized into four groups, designated as groups I to IV. Most of the <i>CAD</i> genes were implicated in mediating responses to abiotic stresses and phytohormones. Notably, members in group III, containing the bona fide <i>CAD</i> genes, were directly involved in lignin synthesis. Furthermore, the expression profiles of <i>BnaCAD</i> genes exhibited differential responses to drought, osmotic, and ABA treatments. The expression levels of the <i>BnaCAD4a</i>, <i>BnaCAD4b</i>, <i>BnaCAD5b</i>, and <i>BnaCAD5d</i> genes were detected and found to be significantly lower in yellow-seeded <i>B. napus</i> compared to the black-seeded ones. This study provides a comprehensive characterization of <i>CAD</i> genes in <i>Brassica</i> U-triangle species and partially validates their functions in <i>B. napus</i>, thereby contributing to a better understanding of their roles. The insights gained are expected to facilitate the breeding of yellow-seeded <i>B. napus</i> cultivars with enhanced stress tolerance and desirable agronomic traits. |
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| ISSN: | 2223-7747 |