Comprehensive characterization and expression analysis of enzymatic antioxidant gene families in passion fruit (Passiflora edulis)

Jianxiang Liang; Lin Lu; Wenbin Zhang; Ming Chi; Mengqian Shen; Chang An; Shengzhen Chen; Xiaomei Wang; Ruoyu Liu; Yuan Qin; Ping Zheng

doi:10.1016/j.isci.2023.108329

Comprehensive characterization and expression analysis of enzymatic antioxidant gene families in passion fruit (Passiflora edulis)

iScience. 2023 Oct 26;26(11):108329. doi: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108329. eCollection 2023 Nov 17.

Authors

Jianxiang Liang^{1

2}, Lin Lu¹, Wenbin Zhang³, Ming Chi¹, Mengqian Shen¹, Chang An¹, Shengzhen Chen¹, Xiaomei Wang⁴, Ruoyu Liu⁵, Yuan Qin^{1

5}, Ping Zheng^{1

5}

Affiliations

¹ Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Haixia Applied Plant Systems Biology, Center for Genomics and Biotechnology, College of Life Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China.
² Center for Viticulture and Enology, School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.
³ Xinluo Breeding Center for Excellent Germplasms, Longyan 361000, China.
⁴ Horticulture Research Institute, Guangxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanning Investigation Station of South Subtropical Fruit Trees, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanning 530004, China.
⁵ Pingtan Science and Technology Research Institute, College of Marine Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China.

Abstract

Passion fruit, a valuable tropical fruit, faces climate-related growth challenges. Antioxidant enzymes are vital for both stress protection and growth regulation in plants. We first provided systemic analysis of enzymatic antioxidant gene families in passion fruit, identifying 90 members including 11 PeSODs, 45 PeAPXs, 8 PeCATs, 7 PeGPXs, 6 PeMDHARs, 8 PeDHARs, and 5 PeGRs. Gene members in each gene family with same subcellular localization showed closer phylogenetic relationship. Many antioxidant genes exhibited tissue- or developmental stage-specific expression patterns during floral and fruit development, with some widely expressed. Their co-expressed genes were linked to photosynthesis and energy metabolism, suggesting roles in protecting highly proliferating tissues from oxidative damage. Potential genes for enhancing temperature stress resistance were identified. The involvement of diverse regulatory factors including miRNAs, transcription factors, and CREs might contribute to the complex roles of antioxidant genes. This study informs future research on antioxidant genes and passion fruit breeding.

Keywords: Genomics; Plant development; Plant physiology.