Identification, evolution and expression analysis of the UDP-glycosyltransferase gene family in grape (Vitis vinifera L.)

Uridine diphosphate glycos-yltransferases (UGTs) are involved in the process of glycosylation modification and play an important role in plant growth and development, secondary metabolism and stress responses. Here, a systematic genome-wide analysis of UGT family was conducted to investigate their important functions in grape. In total, 181 VvUGTs were identified and unevenly distributed on 18 chromosomes. These UGT genes were clustered into 17 major groups (A-P, R) based on phylogenetic analysis, supported by conserved gene organization and consensus motifs. Cis-acting elements analysis of the VvUGT genes indicated their potential roles in plant development and responses to various stresses. Collinearity analysis showed that segmental duplication and tandem duplication events had significant effects on the evolution of VvUGT gene family. In addition, genes related to secondary metabolic processes were screened by KEGG and GO enrichment analysis. Expression profiles displayed distinct expression patterns of VvUGT genes in different tissues, fruits development stages, as well as in response to various stress. Overall, these findings lay an important foundation for further functional dissection of VvUGTs and genetic improvement of V. vinifera.