Identification cloning and functional characterization of glucuronokinase gene from wheat Triticum aestivum L

Abstract

We identified total of 47 GHMP kinase sequences in wheat, divided into ten subfamilies. RNA-seq data analysis revealed upregulation and downregulation of TaDPMDC5 and TaGlcAK1 against the fungal pathogens causing powdery mildew and yellow stripe rust, respectively. In case of abiotic stress, both RNA-seq and qRT-PCR data analyses revealed that TaPMKs and TaHSKs showed significant upregulation, while TaDPMDCs showed significant downregulation in their expression levels. Out of three TaGlcAK homoeologs, TaGlcAK6B showed the highest expression under drought condition, which is consistent with its role in drought tolerance. Interestingly, a significant decrease was observed in ascorbic acid (AsA) and phytic acid (PA) contents in all the tissues of TaGlcAK6A, TaGlcAK6B and TaGlcAK6D overexpressing A. thaliana lines. This study also reflected upregulation of the AtMIOX1, AtMIOX4, AtIMP, AtIMP1, AtGlcAK1, AtGlcAK2, AtUSP, AtUGD1-4, AtUXS1-5 and AtUSP in the leaf of TaGlcAK6A and TaGlcAK6D overexpressing lines. The consumption of myo-inositol for UDP-GlcA synthesis might have led to the upregulation of the MIOX pathway genes in Arabidopsis overexpressing lines. This study shed light on the role of TaGlcAK as a key gene that can be used to enhance AsA levels and/or decrease PA levels in wheat. newline