The Analysis of the Glycosyltransferase Activity Gene Family in and Functional Verification of Conferring Resistance to Verticillium Wilt.

Glycosyltransferases () play an important role in plant growth and development, as well as responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. However, the function of the family in cotton resistance to Verticillium wilt is limited. In the present study, transcriptome analysis revealed eight upregulated in susceptible cotton varieties and downregulated in resistant cotton varieties during early inoculation, indicating they were involved in regulating the infection of in cotton. Promoter analysis revealed a high prevalence of MeJA (methyl jasmonate) and ABA (abscisic acid)-related cis-acting elements among these . Genome-wide and location analysis of the homologous genes showed that these were relatively conserved in evolution. Furthermore, a Virus-Induced Gene Silencing (VIGS) experimental results demonstrated a reduction in disease resistance after silencing. These insights not only deepen our understanding of the family's role in cotton, but also provide a foundation for future research on the disease resistance mechanisms of these genes.