Open AccessChitinase-Like (CTL) and Cellulose Synthase (CESA) Gene Expression in Gelatinous-Type Cellulosic Walls of Flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) Bast Fibers
Author(s) -
Natalia Mokshina,
Т. А. Горшкова,
Michael K. Deyholos
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
plos one
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.99
H-Index - 332
ISSN - 1932-6203
DOI - 10.1371/journal.pone.0097949
Subject(s) - bast fibre , biology , linum , chitinase , cell wall , secondary cell wall , gene family , middle lamella , gene , gene expression , xylem , cellulose , botany , biochemistry
Plant chitinases (EC 3.2.1.14) and chitinase-like (CTL) proteins have diverse functions including cell wall biosynthesis and disease resistance. We analyzed the expression of 34 chitinase and chitinase-like genes of flax (collectively referred to as LusCTLs ), belonging to glycoside hydrolase family 19 (GH19). Analysis of the transcript expression patterns of LusCTLs in the stem and other tissues identified three transcripts ( LusCTL19, LusCTL20, LusCTL21 ) that were highly enriched in developing bast fibers, which form cellulose-rich gelatinous-type cell walls. The same three genes had low relative expression in tissues with primary cell walls and in xylem, which forms a xylan type of secondary cell wall. Phylogenetic analysis of the LusCTLs identified a flax-specific sub-group that was not represented in any of other genomes queried. To provide further context for the gene expression analysis, we also conducted phylogenetic and expression analysis of the cellulose synthase (CESA) family genes of flax, and found that expression of secondary wall-type LusCESAs ( LusCESA4, LusCESA7 and LusCESA8 ) was correlated with the expression of two LusCTLs ( LusCTL1, LusCTL2 ) that were the most highly enriched in xylem. The expression of LusCTL19, LusCTL20, and LusCTL21 was not correlated with that of any CESA subgroup. These results defined a distinct type of CTLs that may have novel functions specific to the development of the gelatinous (G-type) cellulosic walls.