Characterization of Thaumatin-like Gene Family Reveals Group V CaTLPs Drive Anthracnose Resistance in Pepper (Capsicum annuum)
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 Colletotrichum spp. In this study, we explored the molecular mechanisms underlying anthracnose resistance in Capsicum annuum 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&mdash:including Ca59V2g00372.1 (CaTLP6), encoding a thaumatin-like protein (TLP)&mdash:were significantly upregulated upon infection. A genome-wide analysis identified 31 CaTLP genes in C. annuum, with members of group V (such as CaTLP6) exhibiting induced expression post-inoculation of Colletotrichum scovillei. 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 CaTLP genes, particularly those in group V, in pepper&rsquo:s defense against anthracnose caused by C. scovillei and offer promising targets for breeding resistant cultivars.
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