Genome-scale identification and analysis of acetyl-coenzyme a carboxylase genes in Arabidopsis and soybean

Plant oils, which are one of the most energy-rich and abundant forms reduced carbon available from nature, represent a logical substitute for conventional fossil diesel. To better understand the genetic control of plant oils biosynthesis pathway in model plant Arabidopsis and oilseed soybean, we searched the whole genome sequence of these two important plants to identify acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase-the key enzyme involved in the fatty acid biosynthesis pathway genes. A total of 17 genes were retrieved, including 6 genes in Arabidopsis and 11 genes in soybean. Their chromosome locations, gene structures, protein properties, subcellular locations, cis-acting element in promoter regions and expression profiles were comprehensively analyzed by online bioinformatic tools. Results showed that two different biosynthesis pathways in protoplasm and chloroplast, respectively. At least two duplicated fatty acid biosynthesis pathways were found in soybean genome, as each acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase subunits encoded by two or more copy genes, supported that soybean is a paleopolyploid species. In summary, this study provides fundamental information of acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase-the key enzyme in fatty acid biosynthesis pathway for soybean biodiesel improvement by pathway engineering.