Genome-wide Identification and Expression Analysis of the TUA Gene Family in Cotton

CUI Bingkai; XING Baoguang; WEI Yangyang; PENG Renhai; HU Shoulin

doi:10.19329/j.cnki.1673-2928.2025.02.019

Abstract：Alpha-tubulin plays a crucial role in the elongation of cotton fiber cells and the construction of the cytoskeleton.Using bioinformatics techniques,this study aims to identify members of the TUA gene family in cotton and analyze their tissue expression patterns,to provide a theoretical basis for the in-depth study of the role of TUA genes in cotton fiber development.The physicochemical properties were analyzed using ProtParam tool,phylogenetic trees were constructed with MEGA 11.0,chromosomal localization maps were drawn,conserved motifs were analyzed using MEME,promoter cis-acting elements were analyzed using PlantCARE.Transcriptome data was utilized to analyze the tissue expression characteristics of the TUA gene family genes.The results show:there are a total of 67 TUA family members within the four cotton species.The number of these genes in tetraploid cotton species is approximately double that in diploid cotton species,and phylogenetic analysis classified them into five subgroups(A-E).The evolution of the TUA gene family between G.hirsutum and G.barbadense showed similarities.The prediction of cis-acting elements indicates that most of these elements are associated with growth and development,as well as defense against stress.Analysis of the tissue expression characteristics of 23 G.hirsutum TUA genes using TM-1 transcriptome data revealed preferential expression of TUA genes in fibers.Members of the TUA gene family with predominant expression in upland cotton fibers were screened,providing important candidate gene resources for the genetic improvement and breeding of cotton fiber traits.