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

Glycosyltransferases (<i>GTs</i>) play an important role in plant growth and development, as well as responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. However, the function of the <i>GT</i> family in cotton resistance to Verticillium wilt is limited. In the present study, transcriptome analysis revealed eight <i>GTs</i> upregulated in susceptible cotton varieties and downregulated in resistant cotton varieties during early <i>Verticillium dahliae</i> inoculation, indicating they were involved in regulating the infection of <i>V. dahliae</i> in cotton. Promoter analysis revealed a high prevalence of MeJA (methyl jasmonate) and ABA (abscisic acid)-related cis-acting elements among these <i>GTs</i>. Genome-wide and location analysis of the homologous genes showed that these <i>GTs</i> were relatively conserved in evolution. Furthermore, a Virus-Induced Gene Silencing (VIGS) experimental results demonstrated a reduction in disease resistance after <i>GhGT61</i> silencing. These insights not only deepen our understanding of the <i>GT</i> family's role in cotton, but also provide a foundation for future research on the disease resistance mechanisms of these genes.