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Characterization of Genes Encoding Granule-Bound Starch Synthase in Sacred Lotus Reveals Phylogenetic Affinity of Nelumbo to Proteales

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Abstract

Starch is one of the main components of lotus rhizome and seed, and has a high potential influence on their eating and processing quality. However, little is known about the molecular mechanism underlying starch synthesis in lotus plants. Here, we report a genomewide identification and characterization of genes encoding granule-bound starch synthase in sacred lotus. Two GBSS genes, designated NnGBSSII-1 and NnGBSSII-2, have been identified in the genome of lotus variety “China Antique.” NnGBSSII-1 is expressed in all tested tissues, including leaf, flower, leafstalk, rhizome, and seed, whereas NnGBSSII-2 is a pseudogene and its transcripts have not been detected in any tissues. Overall, the expression level of NnGBSSII-1 gene is positively correlated with amylose accumulation in lotus rhizome and seed. Moreover, a phylogenetic analysis shows that GBSS genes from N. nucifera and N. lutea are clustered together, and they have a closer relationship with GBSS genes from Proteaceae. This result supports the hypothesis that Nelumbo is taxonomically placed in the lotus family, Nelumbonaceae, under the order Proteales. Our results will be helpful for future genetic improvement of starch quality in rhizome and lotus seed.

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Acknowledgments

This project was supported by funds received from the Chinese Academy of Sciences knowledge innovation project under grant no. Y12A216V02 and 100 Talents Program of the Chinese Academy of Science.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Key Laboratory of Plant Germplasm Enhancement and Specialty Agriculture, Wuhan Botanical Garden of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, 430074, People’s Republic of China

    Chao Gu, Lu Wang, Shaohua Li & Yuepeng Han

  2. College of Life Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430072, People’s Republic of China

    Liyao Zhang

  3. Key Laboratory of Aquatic Plant and Watershed Ecology, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, 430074, People’s Republic of China

    Yanling Liu & Mei Yang

  4. College of Crop Science, Fujian Agricultural University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350002, People’s Republic of China

    Zhaonian Yuan

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  1. Chao Gu
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  2. Lu Wang
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  3. Liyao Zhang
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  4. Yanling Liu
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  5. Mei Yang
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  6. Zhaonian Yuan
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  7. Shaohua Li
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  8. Yuepeng Han
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Correspondence to Yuepeng Han.

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Gu, C., Wang, L., Zhang, L. et al. Characterization of Genes Encoding Granule-Bound Starch Synthase in Sacred Lotus Reveals Phylogenetic Affinity of Nelumbo to Proteales. Plant Mol Biol Rep 31, 1157–1165 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11105-013-0605-0

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