Systematic Analysis of GT1 Family Genes and Their Regulation in Anthocyanin Metabolism in Red Maple

Abstract

Abstract Glycosyltransferases (GTs) have a crucial role in the glycosylation of secondary metabolites, detoxification of endogenous or exogenous substances, body defense, and hormone regulation in plants. The GT1 family has the largest number of characterized enzymes in 111 GT families that are known for their excellent glycosylation capacities toward numerous valued small molecules. The colorful foliage of red maple is a vital agronomic trait, and studies have confirmed that massive anthocyanin accumulation led to the redness of leaves. In red maple, glycosylation is the essential step of anthocyanin biosynthesis and the prerequisite of further modifications, which usually enhances stability. Here, a genome-wide characterization analysis of the GT1 family in red maple was performed. A total of 560 GT genes were identified in the red maple genome; among them, 122 members belonged to the GT1 family. All these members were unevenly distributed across 19 chromosomes, with most located in the chloroplast. These GT1 genes had 1–16 exons. Most 122 GT1 proteins in red maple contained GT-GTB-type domain and GT1-Gtf-like domain. In total, 18 GT1 proteins might have played pivotal evolutionary roles in red maple. The network analysis revealed that the regulatory effect of GT1 family genes on anthocyanin in red maple leaves could be divided into direct and indirect regulation. The study results not only clarified the roles of the GT1 family in red maple but also laid a cornerstone for further functional analysis of this gene family in Acer plants.