Genome-wide identification of HbVQ proteins and their interaction with HbWRKY14 to regulate the expression of HbSRPP in Hevea brasiliensis
Jiahong Zhu,
Long Qu,
Liwang Zeng,
Ying Wang,
Huiliang Li,
Shiqing Peng,
Dong Guo
Affiliations
Jiahong Zhu
National Key Laboratory for Tropical Crop Breeding, Institute of Tropical Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences
Long Qu
National Key Laboratory for Tropical Crop Breeding, Institute of Tropical Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences
Liwang Zeng
Key Laboratory of Applied Research on Tropical Crop Information Technology of Hainan Province, Institute of Scientific and Technical Information, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences
Ying Wang
National Key Laboratory for Tropical Crop Breeding, Institute of Tropical Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences
Huiliang Li
National Key Laboratory for Tropical Crop Breeding, Institute of Tropical Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences
Shiqing Peng
National Key Laboratory for Tropical Crop Breeding, Institute of Tropical Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences
Dong Guo
National Key Laboratory for Tropical Crop Breeding, Institute of Tropical Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences
Abstract Background Valine-glutamine motif-containing proteins (VQ proteins) play important roles in plant growth, development and response to stress. However, information on the VQ gene family in rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis Muell. Arg.) is limited. Results In this study, a total of 21 VQ protein genes (named HbVQ1 ~ HbVQ21) were identified in rubber trees and divided into six subfamilies. Gene structure analysis revealed that most of HbVQs had no introns except for HbVQ5 and HbVQ20. Gene expression analysis revealed that HbVQ4, 5, and 21 were expressed at relatively high levels in latex. In addition, HbVQ4, 5, and 21 interact with the WRKY transcription factor HbWRKY14. Transient co-expression of HbVQ4 or HbVQ5 and HbWRKY14 resulted in relieved HbWRKY14-mediated transcription inhibition of the gene encoding small rubber particle protein (HbSRPP), whereas transient co-expression of HbVQ21 and HbWRKY14 resulted in increased HbWRKY14-mediated HbSRPP transcription inhibition. Conclusions In summary, HbVQ4, 5, and 21 interact with HbWRKY14 to regulate the expression of HbSRPP. This study provides insight into the functions of VQ proteins in regulating natural rubber biosynthesis.
