Prediction of the gene duplication mechanism in the genes encoding sucrose transporters in chickpea (Cicer arietinum)

Abstract

In plants, SWEETs (sugars will eventually be exported transporters) are known as the major sucrose transporters that involve in various important biological processes. In this study, the gene duplication of the gene family encoding SWEETs in chickpea (Cicer arietinum) has been analysed based on the bioinformatics approach. As the results, a total of six duplication events occurring in the CaSWEET gene family in chickpea has been determined. Three (out of six) duplicated pairs were distributed on the distinct chromosomes, suggesting that the segmental duplication is considered as the major reason to explain the expansion of the CaSWEET gene family, as confirmed in many plant species. Our results also predicted that the purifying selection was appeared to maintain the preservation of SWEET proteins. These duplication events were calculated to approximately occur from 23.06 to 38.31 million years ago. Additionally, the conserved domain of CaSWEET consisted of seven TM units and seven specific motifs. Our study would provide a critical understanding of the expansion of CaSWEET genes, this could suggest the role of duplicated genes in chickpea plants.