Identification and Expression Analysis of UPS Gene Family in Potato

Abstract

Ureide permeases (UPSs) mediate the transport of ureides, including allantoin and allantoate, which act as nitrogen-transporting compounds in plants and have recently been found to play a role in cellular signaling. To date, UPSs have not been reported in potato, and their identification is important for further function studies and for understanding molecular mechanisms of plant adverse responses. Based on potato genomic data, we identified 10 StUPS genes in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.). Then, we conducted a comprehensive study of the identified StUPS genes using bioinformatics methods. Genome phylogenetic and genomic localization analyses revealed that StUPSs can be classified into four categories, are highly homologous to Arabidopsis thaliana UPS members, and are distributed on three chromosomes. The six StUPS genes were investigated by RT-qPCR, and the findings indicated that all of these genes are involved in the response to several stresses, including low nitrogen, cold, ABA, salt, H₂O_2, and drought. This study establishes a strong theoretical framework for investigating the function of potato UPS genes, as well as the molecular mechanisms underlying the responses of these genes to various environmental stresses.

Keywords: abiotic stress; bioinformatics analysis; gene expression; potato; ureide permease.

Figure 1

Analysis of the transmembrane structure of the StUPS proteins.

Figure 2

Phylogenetic tree of UPS proteins in potato and Arabidopisis thaliana. Groups A–D are distinguished by different color markings. UPS in potato highlighted with green markers.

Figure 3

Motifs and gene structures of potato UPS family members. Left: motifs 1–10 are represented by different colored boxes. Right: black lines indicate introns; yellow boxes indicate CDS regions; green boxes indicate UTR regions.

Figure 4

Chromosome location of UPS gene family in potato.

Figure 5

Collinearity analysis of the potato UPS family.

Figure 6

Collinearity analysis of the UPS gene families in Arabidopsis, potato, and tomato.

Figure 7

Expression profile of UPS genes in potato. (a) Expression profile in various tissues; (b) expression profile under various abiotic stresses.

Figure 8

Expression analysis of six StUPS genes selected in roots, shoots, and leaves. Analyzing three measurements to obtain error bars. Different letters above bars indicate significant differences between tissues (p < 0.05).

Figure 9

Expression analysis of six StUPS genes under abiotic stress. Analyzing three measurements to obtain error bars. Asterisks above the bars indicate significant difference between treatments, while ns indicates no significant difference (p < 0.05).