Genome-wide Characterization of Stress-response Gene Family in Cotton

The availability of cotton DNA and RNA sequences enabled scientists to perform several characterizations on cotton LOX stress resistance gene family. The growth of cotton, an important "cash crop" in many developing countries, is negatively affected by salinity stress. Thus, research contributing to the management of such stress in cotton is constantly relevant. The LOX gene family has been found to have roles in several plant responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. LOX has been comprehensively studied in Arabidopsis and several crops, but not in cotton.

In the said study, the researchers have derived the phylogenetic relationship, chromosomal distribution, synteny, structure, and expression patterns in various organs under different abiotic stresses and in response to exogenous phytohormones among four cotton species. Results showed that genes from the LOX family are mostly expressed in vegetative tissues and associated with heat and salt stress. The results of the study will aid the selection of appropriate candidate genes for cotton development and stress response studies.

For more information, read the article in BMC Genomics.