Transcriptional analysis of WUSCHEL-related HOMEOBOX (WOX) genes in Coffea arabica L.

Abstract

Growing coffee faces challenges regarding the development and productivity of plants. To improve coffee tree cultivation and bean productivity and quality, modern techniques of plant biotechnology need to be adopted that allow the development of more productive and resistant varieties. Among these, somatic embryogenesis stands out as a method of great potential for the propagation of coffee plants in vitro. Some genes are directly related to somatic embryogenesis, especially WOX (WUSHEL-related HOMEOBOX) genes, which play a central role in the process. Therefore, the objective of this study was to identify and analyze the expression pattern of WOX genes in arabica coffee, Coffea arabica. In silico analyses identified seven WOX genes in arabica coffee: Coffea arabica WUSHEL-like (CaWUS-like), Coffea arabica WOX1-like (CaWOX1-like), CaWOX3-like, CaWOX4-like, CaWOX5-like, CaWOX9-like and CaWOX11-like. The transcriptional profile of the CaWOX11-like gene suggests that it may be intrinsically related to the embryogenic process and may be used as a molecular marker. In addition, comparisons of the present results with those from the literature indicate that WOX genes are key regulators of somatic embryogenesis in arabica coffee.