Genome-Wide Analysis of nsLTP Gene Family and Identification of Contributing to High Oil Accumulation in Sesame ( L.).

The biosynthesis and storage of lipids in oil crop seeds involve many gene families, such as nonspecific lipid-transfer proteins (nsLTPs). nsLTPs are cysteine-rich small basic proteins essential for plant development and survival. However, in sesame, information related to nsLTPs was limited. Thus, the objectives of this study were to identify the nsLTPs () and reveal their potential role in oil accumulation in sesame seeds. Genome-wide analysis revealed 52 , nonrandomly distributed on 10 chromosomes in the sesame variety Zhongzhi 13. Following recent classification methods, the were divided into nine types, among which types I and XI were the dominants. We found that the could interact with several transcription factors, including APETALA2 (AP2), DNA binding with one finger (Dof), etc. Transcriptome analysis showed a tissue-specific expression of some genes. By integrating the expression profiles and the weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) results of two contrasting oil content sesame varieties, we identified and as the candidate genes for high oil content in sesame seeds. The presumed functions of the candidate gene were validated through overexpression of in . These findings expand our knowledge on nsLTPs in sesame and provide resources for functional studies and genetic improvement of oil content in sesame seeds.