Genome-wide identification and characterization of the GDP-L-galactose phosphorylase gene family in bread wheat

Abstract

Background: Ascorbate is a powerful antioxidant in plants and an essential micronutrient for humans. The GDP-L-galactose phosphorylase (GGP) gene encodes the rate-limiting enzyme of the L-galactose pathway - the dominant ascorbate biosynthetic pathway in plants - and is a promising gene candidate for increasing ascorbate in crops. In addition to transcriptional regulation, GGP production is regulated at the translational level through an upstream open reading frame (uORF) in the long 5′-untranslated region (5'UTR). The GGP genes have yet to be identified in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), one of the most important food grain sources for humans. Results: Bread wheat chromosomal groups 4 a..