The bioinformatic analysis of aquaporin genes in grape berries ( Vitis vinifera L.) and the determination of gene expression profiles in different tissues

Aquaporins are membrane proteins that serve as a channel to pass water through the cell membranes of human, plant, animal and bacterium. They are involved in cellular and physiological processes such as adjusting the water balance and the plant photosynthesis. Grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.), a perennial species, is economically very important crop in terms of wine and food sector. In this study, we identified 19 genes that belong to Aquaporin gene family by bioinformatic analyses and analyzed their expression profile in grape berries, leaves, tendrils and young shoots at different developmental stages by Real-time PCR. Expression of all examined aquaporin genes in the grape berry decreased during the ripening. The result of mRNA expression analysis provided information for the determination of physiological events that take place in the developmental stages of grape berries. We identified ESTs belonging to V. vinifera L. Aquaporin genes using EST database by the bioinformatics analysis. Vitis vinifera L. aquaporin genes were expressed in many tissues and organs of different grape varieties. Finally, We constructed the phylogenetic tree including 20 individuals of Vitis vinifera L. Aquaporin family with aquaporins found in other plants.