Genome-Wide Analysis of Glycoside Hydrolase Family 1 β-glucosidase Genes in and Their Potential Role in Pollen Development.

Glycoside hydrolase family 1 (GH1) β-glucosidases (BGLUs) are encoded by a large number of genes, and are involved in many developmental processes and stress responses in plants. Due to their importance in plant growth and development, genome-wide analyses have been conducted in model plants ( and rice) and maize, but not in species, which are important vegetable crops. In this study, we systematically analyzed s (s), and demonstrated the involvement of several genes in pollen development. Sixty-four s were identified in databases, which were anchored onto 10 chromosomes, with 10 tandem duplications. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that 64 genes were classified into 10 subgroups, and each subgroup had relatively conserved intron/exon structures. Clustering with BGLUs (AtBGLUs) facilitated the identification of several important subgroups for flavonoid metabolism, the production of glucosinolates, the regulation of abscisic acid (ABA) levels, and other defense-related compounds. At least six BrBGLUs might be involved in pollen development. The expression of /, the analysis of co-expressed genes, and the examination of knocked down plants strongly suggests that / has an indispensable function in pollen development. The results that are obtained from this study may provide valuable information for the further understanding of β-glucosidase function and breeding, for nutraceuticals-rich crops.