Elsevier

Genomics

Volume 112, Issue 1, January 2020, Pages 749-763
Genomics

Original Article
Genome-wide identification and characterization of Chitinase gene family in Brassica juncea and Camelina sativa in response to Alternaria brassicae

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ygeno.2019.05.011Get rights and content
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Highlights

  • Chitinases are important group of PR-proteins which plays a key role in plant defense against pathogens.

  • Fourty seven and seventy-nine chitinase genes were identified in B. juncea and C. sativa genomes respectively.

  • Biochemical analysis reveals the role of ROS scavenging enzymes in C. sativa during Alternaria infection.

  • Transcriptional analysis highlights the role of chitinase (IV & V) genes in A. brassicae disease resistance.

Abstract

Chitinases belong to the group of Pathogenesis-related (PR) proteins that provides protection against fungal pathogens. This study presents the, genome-wide identification and characterization of chitinase gene family in two important oilseed crops B. juncea and C. sativa belonging to family Brassicaceae. We have identified 47 and 79 chitinase genes in the genomes of B. juncea and C. sativa, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis of chitinases in both the species revealed four distinct sub-groups, representing different classes of chitinases (I-V). Microscopic and biochemical study reveals the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging enzymes in disease resistance of B. juncea and C. sativa. Furthermore, qRT-PCR analysis showed that expression of chitinases in both B. juncea and C. sativa was significantly induced after Alternaria brassicae infection. However, the fold change in chitinase gene expression was considerably higher in C. sativa compared to B. juncea, which further proves their role in C. sativa disease resistance to A. brassicae. This study provides comprehensive analysis on chitinase gene family in B. juncea and C. sativa and in future may serve as a potential candidate for improving disease resistance in B. juncea through transgenic approach.

Keywords

Brassica juncea
Camelina sativa
Alternaria brassicae
Pathogenesis related genes
Brassicaceae
Chitinases

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These authors have contributed equally.