Bioinformatics and Expression of Hydroxycinnamyl transferase Gene Family from Dendrobium officinale

  Objective   Characterization and the expressions of hydroxycinnamyl transferase (HCT) gene family from Dendrobium officinale were studied to reveal the biosynthesis of flavonoids and dendrophenol in the plant.

  Method  Relevant gene sequences were obtained from the NCBI online website. Conserved motifs and domains, evolutionary tree, and protein secondary and tertiary structures of each member of DoHCTs were analyzed using bioinformatics methods. Expressions of the genes under stresses and in roots, stems, and leaves were determined using RT-PCR.

  Result   The gene family had 8 members, DoHCT1–8. Their conserved domains showed that DoHCT7/8 belonged to the transferase superfamily and DoHCT1–6 to the PLN02481 superfamily. Abiotic stresses could affect the expressions, such as, elevated temperatures downregulated them. Except DoHCT7, the genes were differentially expressed in the roots, stems, and leaves.

  Conclusion   The comprehensive bioinformatics and expression analyses on the 8 members of the DoHCT family from D. officinale revealed that SoHCTs were with differental expression under different abiotic stress or tissues, and proved to play regulatory role in abiotic stress.