Identification of chalcone synthase genes and their expression patterns reveal pollen abortion in cotton.

Chalcone synthase () is a key enzyme and producing flavonoid derivatives as well play a vital roles in sustaining plant growth and development. However, the systematic and comprehensive analysis of genes in island cotton (G. ) has not been reported yet especially response to cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS). To fill this knowledge gap, a genome-wide investigation of genes were studied in island cotton. A total of 20 genes were identified and grouped into five . The gene structure analysis revealed that most of genes consisted of two exons and one intron, and 20 motifs were identified. Twenty five pairs duplicated events (12 genes) were identified including 23 segmental duplication pairs and two tandem duplication events, representing that gene family amplification mainly owned to segmental duplication events and evolving slowly. Gene expression analysis exhibited that the family genes presented a diversity expression patterns in various organs of cotton. Coupled with functional predictions and gene expression, the abnormal expression of , , and might be associated with pollen abortion of CMS line in island cotton. Conclusively, genes exhibited diversity and conservation in many aspects, which will help to better understand functional studies and a reference for research in island cotton and other plants.