Characterization of Thaumatin-like Gene Family Reveals Group V <i>CaTLPs</i> Drive Anthracnose Resistance in Pepper (<i>Capsicum annuum</i>)
2025
Hao Wu | Jian Zeng | Cui Mao | Weifeng Huang | Chuanhong Li | Liya Yang | Xiaohan Zhang | Jiaxian Lin | Jianjun Lei | Yong Zhou | Zhangsheng Zhu | Jie Zheng
Pepper anthracnose is a globally devastating fungal disease caused by <i>Colletotrichum</i> spp. In this study, we explored the molecular mechanisms underlying anthracnose resistance in <i>Capsicum annuum</i> by comparing a resistant variety 225 with a susceptible variety 307. Phenotypic analysis revealed that variety 225 displayed stronger resistance than variety 307. Through comparative transcriptome analysis and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), 17 gene modules were identified, among which the salmon module showed a strong association with resistance in variety 225. Within this module, 18 hub genes—including <i>Ca59V2g00372.1</i> (<i>CaTLP6</i>), encoding a thaumatin-like protein (TLP)—were significantly upregulated upon infection. A genome-wide analysis identified 31 <i>CaTLP</i> genes in <i>C. annuum</i>, with members of group V (such as <i>CaTLP6</i>) exhibiting induced expression post-inoculation of <i>Colletotrichum scovillei</i>. Subcellular localization analysis indicated that group V CaTLP proteins were associated with the plasma membrane, suggesting a role in pathogen recognition. These findings highlight the significance of <i>CaTLP</i> genes, particularly those in group V, in pepper’s defense against anthracnose caused by <i>C. scovillei</i> and offer promising targets for breeding resistant cultivars.
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