Identification and Expression Analysis of CLE Gene Family in Grape (Vitis vinifera)
ZHENG Qian-Qian1, HU Ling-Ling1, FANG Cong-Ling2, WANG Li-Ru2, ZHOU Shu-Yi2, ZHANG Dan-Yi-Die1, WU Yue-Yan1, YANG Zhong-Yi1,*
1 College of Biology and Environment, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo 315100, China; 2 Cixi City Forestry Technology Extension Center, Ningbo 315300, China
Abstract：CLAVATA3/embryo surrounding region-related (CLE) genes are a class of gene widely distributed in plants that encode signaling peptides responses. In this study, CLE gene family members were identified from the whole genome of grape (Vitis vinifera) using bioinformatic approaches. Their physicochemical properties, phylogenetic relationships, gene structures and conserved motifs, chromosomal localization, and promoter cis-acting elements were systematically analyzed. At the same time, the expression levels of gibberellin (GA3) induced gibberellin in different organs were compared by combining transcriptome and qRT PCR. The results showed that a total of 15 CLE gene family members were present in the grape genome; they were unevenly distributed on 8 chromosomes, encoded proteins of 78~137 amino acids, and were classified into 4 subgroups. Subcellular localization predictions indicated that most VvCLE proteins were localized in the chloroplasts and nucleus, and all members contained the conserved CLE motif. Analysis of the promoter regions of VvCLE genes revealed multiple cis-acting elements associated with growth and development, hormone responses, light responsiveness, and stress adaptation. VvCLE genes were expressed in different organs of grape and exhibited obvious tissue specificity among them, VvCLE6 was highly expressed in the fruit flesh and was significantly induced by GA3, which was consistent with transcriptome data and suggested that it may be involved in fruit development. This study provides valuable resources and a theoretical basis for functional characterization and regulatory mechanism studies of the CLE gene family in grape.
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