Bioinformatic Analysis of STR Gene Family in Halenia elliptica

Purpose To identify the members of the strictosidine synthase (STR) gene family of Halenia elliptica and to analyze the gene bioinformatics, providing a basis for further study on the function of STR family genes in H. elliptica.

Methods Based on the genomic data of H. elliptica, the STR genes were identified, and their evolutionary relationship, physicochemical properties, gene structure, and protein conserved motifs were analyzed. The STR genes of H. elliptica were also compared with those of four other species (H. grandiflora, H. corniculata, Sinoswertia tetraptera, and Gentiana dahurica) in Gentianaceae using bioinformatics methods.

Results There were 10 STR genes in H. elliptica, and the number of HeSTRs was similar to that of the other four species in Gentianaceae. All HeSTRs of H. elliptica exhibited high homology with those of H. grandiflora and could be divided into six groups, with members of the same group sharing similar gene structures and protein conserved motifs. The lengths of HeSTR proteins ranged from 189 to 388 amino acids. All HeSTR proteins were hydrophilic except HeSTR14.1. The number of exons in HeSTRs was either three or four. HeSTRs exhibited significant collinearity with S. tetraptera, H. corniculata, and H. grandiflora.

Conclusion This study provides a theoretical basis for further investigation of the functions of STR genes and the synthesis pathway of gentiopicroside of H. elliptica.