Identification and expression analysis of the TST gene family in grapes

Abstract

Abstract [Objective] Tonoplast sugar transporters (TSTs or TMTs) are crucial sugar transport proteins in plant development. The study aims to investigate the role of this gene family in grape growth and development, to provide a foundation for understanding the function of TST genes. [Methods] A total of 13 TST genes were identified from the grape genome using homology analysis. Gene structures and encoded proteins were analyzed using bioinformatics tools. Utilizing the qRT-PCR technique, TST expression levels in different tissues during ‘Yinhong’ grape development were analyzed, and a correlation with soluble sugar contents in the grapes at different time points were studied. [Results] The TST genes was distributed across the six chromosomes and contained three segmental repetitions and three tandem repetition genes. It could be classified into three subfamilies, each with members sharing structural similarity. TST genes included ample cis regulatory elements related to phytohormone, light, and stress response. Protein family was composed of α-helices and irregular coils, and the protein model of each subfamily was similar. VvTST was expressed in various tissues, possessing spatiotemporal expression specificity. Correlation analysis found that the expression levels of four VvTSTs, including VIT _18s0001g12560, VIT _ 18s0122g00850, VIT_04s0023g01860, and VIT_03s0038g03940, exhibited similar trends with the accumulation of soluble sugars in the grape flesh. [Conclusion] VvTST may play a vital role in soluble sugar accumulation in grape flesh.

Keywords

• tst gene family
• bioinformatics
• expression analysis
• soluble sugar
• grape