GhGME31D identified to regulate AsA activation in response to alkali stress from GME gene family implications in cotton

Abstract

Abstract Vitamin C, also referred to as ascorbic acid (AsA), is recognized for its capacity to cure and avert scurvy, and it is crucial for regular human growth and development. In various crops, AsA participates in stress response mechanisms mediated by abscisic acid and has been discovered to have a crucial function in the morphogenesis, growth, development, and production of male gametes in plants. GDP-D-mannose 3′,5′-epimerase (GME) is essential in the synthesis of vitamin C. Our research identified 91, 83, 51, and 46 genes, respectively, found in G. barbadense (GbGMEs), G. hirsutum (GhGMEs), G. arboretum (GaGMEs), and G. raimondii (GrGMEs). Plants resulting from VIGS infection with GhGME31D clearly showed yellowing, water loss and wilting of leaves and black spots on stems. Measurement of MDA and AsA levels indicated that the plants were more damaged. This indicates that AsA has a substantial impact on plant growth and development.

Keywords

• GDP-D-mannose 3′, 5′-epimerase (GME)
• Gossypium hirsutum
• Abiotic stress
• Differential expression