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April 11th, 2025
Version: 2
BRIC-Institute of Life Sciences
plant biology
biorxiv

Genome-wide Identification of the Laccase Gene Family in White Jute (Corchorus capsularis): Potential Targets for Lignin Engineering in Bast Fiber

Parida, S.Open in Google Scholar•Jha, D. K.Open in Google Scholar•Kumari, K.Open in Google Scholar•Pradhan, S.Open in Google Scholar•Dey, N.Open in Google Scholar•Majumder, S.Open in Google Scholar

Background: The important industrial bast fibre crop jute (Corchorus sp.) is renowned for its long lignocellulosic multi-utility fibres. Information on jute lignin pathway, fibre lignification and related enzymes remains limited. One such key enzyme integral to the final lignification steps is laccase (EC 1.10.3.2). Results: A whole-genome search of white jute (Corchorus capsularis) revealed 34 putative laccase (CcaLAC) genes. Phylogenetic analysis categorized these genes into six groups, 17 predominantly expressed in phloem tissue, 9 in leaf, and 4 in xylem and roots. The expression of several CcaLACs increased steadily from plantlet to crop harvest stage. Homology-based selection with Arabidopsis laccase (AtLACs), shortlisted CcaLACs involved in lignin polymerisation. Transcriptomics data confirmed their phloem specific expression, with some showing significantly lower expression in dlpf, a low-lignin fibre-containing white jute mutant. CcaLAC expression also responded to abiotic stresses like ABA hormone and copper heavy metal. Additionally, Ath-miR397a and Ath-miR397b target sites were predicted in 11 and 9 CcaLACs, respectively, suggesting microRNA-mediated post-transcriptional regulation. Subcellular localization showed CcaLACs occupying multiple plant cell compartments. Protein structure predictions revealed up to 10 motifs in CcaLACs, with 18 containing transmembrane helices. Gene ontology (GO) term analysis linked CcaLACs to lignin and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis. Conclusions: Based on expression patterns under different test conditions CcaLAC28 and CcaLAC32 are strong candidates for phloem (bast) fiber lignification process in white jute. Targeted modification of these genes could enhance our understanding of lignification and facilitate the development of low-lignin jute fibres for high-value industrial applications.

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