Caracterização estrutural e funcional do gene/proteína bZIP62 de Vigna unguiculata ortólogo a GmbZIP62

Abstract

Brazil is one of the world’s leading producers of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata [L.] Walp.), a plant species of great agronomic value due to its genetic diversity and wide adaptability to adverse environmental conditions. Among the several phytopathogens that infect the Cowpea, the Cowpea severe mosaic vírus (CPSMV) stands out as one of the most aggressive viral pathogens, causing significant losses in crop production annually. Plant defense responses to virus infection are governed by complex gene expression control mechanisms. The elucidation of the molecular factors involved in the molecular defense mechanisms of V. unguiculata in response to CPSMV is crucial for obtaining a durable resistance. With this in mind, the present work focused on studying the structure and function of a member of the transcription factor family containing a basic leucine zipper domain (bZIP) of group C as a potential transfactor involved in the molecular response to CPSMV. In silico analyses of gene structure, protein structure and evolutionary relationships of bZIP62 gene homologues were performed in order to help elucidate the role of the gene in the response to CPSMV infection, as well as to diverse biotic stresses. From the structural and evolutionary analyses carried out, it is possible to infer the potential participation of the gene in important pathways of responses to environmental stresses, where in vitro and in vivo analyses can be continued in order to validate the in silico analyses performed.