Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Analysis of the KCS Gene Family in Lanzhou Lily (Lilium davidii var. unicolor) under Drought Stress Revealed its Role in Abiotic Stress Response and Wax Accumulation

Beta-ketoacyl-coa synthase (KCS) plays a crucial role in the synthesis of ultra-long chain fatty acids, acting as a rate-limiting enzyme that not only controls the synthesis of fatty acids, but also affects the formation and storage of wax. Although we know the general function of KCS gene in plants, the specific characteristics of LbKCS gene family in Lanzhou lily and its function under drought stress still need to be further studied and explored. A total of 10 LbKCS were identified in Lanzhou lily under drought stress, which were divided into 6 subfamilies. These LbKCS gene family members were evenly distributed on 10 different chromosomes. The KCS protein of Lanzhou lily is mainly located in the plasma membrane. In addition to LbKCS3 and LbKCS7 consisting of one exon and one intron, all LbKCS genes also have two introns and one exon. The Ka/Ks values of KCS gene pairs of Lanzhou lily were all less than one. Among the 10 members of LbKCS gene family, except LCKCS7, all of them contained motif 1, motif 2, motif 3, motif 4 and motif 5. Severe drought stress induced overexpression of KCS gene in Lanzhou lily, and increased wax content to enhance drought tolerance.