Genome-Wide Analysis of the Biosynthesis and Deactivation of Gibberellin-Dioxygenases Gene Family in Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze.

Gibberellins (GAs), a class of diterpenoid phytohormones, play a key role in regulating diverse processes throughout the life cycle of plants. Bioactive GA levels are rapidly regulated by Gibberellin-dioxygenases (GAox), which are involved in the biosynthesis and deactivation of gibberellin. In this manuscript, a comprehensive genome-wide analysis was carried out to find all GAox in . For the first time in a tea plant, 14 genes, containing two domains, DIOX_N (PF14226) and 2OG-FeII_Oxy, were identified (PF03171). These genes all belong to 2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenases (2-ODD), including four (EC: 1.14.11.12), three (EC: 1.14.11.15), and seven (EC: 1.14.11.13). According to the phylogenetic classification as in , the genes spanned five subgroups. Each shows tissue-specific expression patterns, although these vary greatly. Some candidate genes, which may play an important role in response to external abiotic stresses, have been identified with regards to patterns, such as , , , , , and . The bioactive GA levels may be closely related to the , and genes. In addition, the candidate genes could be used as marker genes for abiotic stress resistance breeding in tea plants.