Prediction and functional annotation of the MADS-BOX transcription factor from ESTs of Mentha piperita

Mentha piperita is a high-value industrial plant known for its essential oils. Due to the poor development of plants' growth, the yield of essential oils is reported less. In this study, we have retrieved the1316 ESTs from NCBI database with the size limits 500bp and predict the MADS- BOX Transcription factors family and its importance in Mentha plants. The 145 contigs were assembled by using the CAP3 online program after removal of the vector contaminants. The developed contigs were scanned with different database and online TFs tools such as Plant TFcat and Expasy prosite scan to predict the signals of MADS-BOX TF in the contigs of Mentha piperita. Out of 145 contigs, we have observed that only one contig (number117) gave the positive signal (length 57aa) with the k box domain (84aa) evolutionary conserved with MIKC family (AGL) in planta. It is also proved by after phylogenetic tree analyses of the MADS-BOX TFS showing maximum conservation with other plants. Moreover, contig numbers 117 were further analyzed for its functional annotations through GO analyses finding the correct role of TFs in the plant system. At this stage, the gene ontology (GO) and plant ontology (PO) were also analyzed for predicting MADS-BOX TF through Plant TFDB tools resulting in its prominent role for plant development process. Hence, we emphasize that the obtained MADS-BOX play a significant role in the metabolic process of essential oil biosynthesis for enhanced production in Mentha piperita.