Analysis of paralogous genes of Carotenoid dioxygenase affecting carotenoid biosynthesis pathway in maize (Zea mays L.)

Abstract

Carotenoid dioxygenase contain a group of carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase (CCD) and 9-cis carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase (NCED) gene(s) playing a vital role in plant kingdom. Family of these genes was involved in apocarotenoid biosynthesis from the precursor carotenoid compounds. In this study, a comprehensive analysis was carried out to find out the paralogous gene of carotenoids dioxygenase in maize. Twenty four proteins were found in maize genome with diverse intron exon organization. Out of the 24 genes, 21 genes were found to be of NCED type and three genes were found to be of CCD type. The proteins were performing in wide range of pH and localized in different organelles indicating their diverse role in maize. All the proteins contain retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) domain which signify their similar kind of function. The proteins were conserved in other plant species as well and may have an evolutionary significance. Analyses of these paralogous genes open the door for deciphering their role in plant development.