GENOME WIDE ANALYSIS AND EXPRESSION PROFILING OF HYDROXYCINNAMOYL COA: SHIKIMATE HYDROXYCINNAMOYL TRANSFERASE (HCT) IN JUTE (Corchorus olitorius)

Lignin is one of the major components of jute fiber, which significantly affects fiber quality as it causing fiber rigidity during spinning in textile industry. Hydroxycinnamoyl CoA: shikimate hydroxyl cinnamoyltransferase (HCT), an important gene that is involved in lignin synthesis. Here, we executed molecular characterization, evolutionary relationship and expression profiling of HCT proteins in jute (Corchorus olitorius). In total, 11 HCT genes were identified in jute containing similar exon and motif compositions, and conserved transferase domains. Expression analysis of different jute tissues revealed that CoHCT1, -3, -8, -9 and -10 preferentially expressed in different tissues. Among them, CoHCT1 predominately expressed in the stem and bast fiber suggesting their role in lignin biosynthesis, therefore, can be acting as a potential target for reducing lignin in jute fiber. Our study provides a solid foundation for functional characterization and modification of HCT genes in jute for future breeding program.