Genome-Wide Comparative Analysis of the Gene Family in Five Solanaceae Species and Identification of Members Regulating Carotenoid Biosynthesis in Wolfberry.

The is a large gene family involved in various plant functions, including carotenoid biosynthesis. However, this gene family lacks a comprehensive analysis in wolfberry ( L.) and other Solanaceae species. The recent sequencing of the wolfberry genome provides an opportunity for investigating the organization and evolutionary characteristics of genes in wolfberry and other Solanaceae species. A total of 610 genes were identified in five Solanaceae species, including 137 in wolfberry. The genes were grouped into 31 subgroups based on phylogenetic analysis, conserved gene structures, and motif composition. Five groups only of Solanaceae genes were functionally divergent during evolution. Dispersed and whole duplication events are critical for expanding the gene family. There were 287 orthologous gene pairs between wolfberry and the other four selected Solanaceae species. RNA-seq analysis identified the expression level of differential gene expression (DEGs) and carotenoid biosynthesis genes (CBGs) in fruit development stages. The highly expressed genes are co-expressed with CBGs during fruit development. A quantitative Real-Time (qRT)-PCR verified seven selected candidate genes. Thus, and are candidate genes regulating carotenoid biosynthesis in wolfberry. This study elucidates the evolution and function of genes in wolfberry and the four Solanaceae species.