Genome-wide identification of the glutathione S-transferase (GST) gene family in six Rosaceae species and expression analysis of GST genes in Rosa chinensis.

Abstract

Background: Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) play crucial roles in various physiological processes, including plant development, endogenous metabolism, stress tolerance, and xenobiotic detoxification. However, the comparative analysis of the GST gene family in Rosaceae species and their expression patterns in roses remains unclear.

Results: In this study, a total of 348 GSTs were identified in six Rosaceae species, including 78 in rose (Rosa chinensis), 53 in strawberry (Fragaria vesca), 69 in peach (Prunus persica), 59 in Chinese plum (Prunus mume), 43 in apple (Malus domestica), and 46 in pear (Pyrus communis). These GST proteins were classified into nine subfamilies. Chromosome localization, collinearity analysis, and gene duplication relationships revealed that tandem repeats are the main driving force for the amplification of GST genes in the Rosoideae and Amygdaloideae. Gene Ontology (GO) and cis-element analysis suggested that GST genes may play a significant role in a variety of biological processes and respond to various abiotic stresses. qRT-PCR analysis showed that five GST genes, mainly expressed in the flower tissue of the Rosa chinensis 'Old Blush', as well as under four different abiotic treatments, revealed differences in their expression pattern, suggesting that RcGSTs may have different responses to abiotic stresses.

Conclusions: This study provides essential data to support a systematic investigation of the GST gene family within the Rosaceae family and the functional validation of GST genes in roses.