Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of the EXO70 gene family in grape (Vitis vinifera L)

Abstract

EXO70 is the pivotal protein subunit of exocyst, which has a very crucial role in enhancing the shielding effect of the cell wall, resisting abiotic and hormonal stresses. This experiment aims to identify family members of the EXO70 gene family in grape and predict the characteristics of this gene family, so as to lay the foundation of further exploring the mechanism of resisting abiotic and hormone stresses of VvEXO70s. Therefore, the Vitis vinifera ‘Red Globe’ tube plantlet were used as materials. Bioinformatics was used to inquire VvEXO70 genes family members, gene structure, system evolution, cis-acting elements, subcellular and chromosomal localization, collinearity, selective pressure, codon bias and tissue expression. All of VvEXO70s had the conserved pfam03081 domain which maybe necessary for interacting with other proteins. Microarray analysis suggested that most genes expressed to varying degrees in tendrils, leaves, seeds, buds, roots and stems. Quantitative Real-Time PCR (qRT-PCR) showed that the expression levels of all genes with 5 mM salicylic acid (SA), 0.1 mM methy jasmonate (MeJA), 20% PEG6000 and 4 °C for 24 h were higher than for 12 h. With 20% PEG6000 treatment about 24 h, the relative expression of VvEXO70-02 was significantly up-regulated and 361 times higher than CK. All genes’ relative expression was higher at 12 h than that at 24 h after treatment with 7 mM hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and 0.1 mM ethylene (ETH). In conclusion, the expression levels of 14 VvEXO70 genes are distinguishing under these treatments, which play an important role in the regulation of anti-stress signals in grape. All of these test results provide a reference for the future research on the potential function analysis and plant breeding of VvEXO70 genes.