Characterization of GhTT2 gene in colored cotton genotypes

Cotton ( Gossypium hirsutum L. ) retains different fiber shades like brown, tan, or light green. The Transparent testa 2 gene ( TT2 ) of G. hirsutum helps in the pigmentation process of the colored cotton genotype. The GhTT2 gene plays a vital role in the biosynthesis of proanthocyanidins (PAs), which are responsible for the distinctive hues of brown and other naturally colored fibers. Despite the importance of the GhTT2 gene in regulating the pigmentation pathway in colored cotton, their role remains unexplored. There was a need for a deeper exploration of the GhTT2 gene’s molecular mechanism and biological significance. The study aimed to characterize the GhTT2 gene across various colored cotton genotypes, focused on its expression patterns in fiber coloration. The genomic, CDS, and protein sequences of the GhTT2 gene were retrieved from Cotton FGD for further analysis and to create a heat map. Cotton seeds were grown in the field to get the bolls, and the fiber color of different genotypes were confirmed. RNA was extracted from cotton at various flowering stages and boll formation to perform expression analysis using RT-PCR. That would be helpful to understand the potential use of the GhTT2 gene in genetic engineering for enhanced cotton yield and might predict its role in metabolic pathways. Furthermore, it would be helpful for the development of molecular markers for the marker-assisted selection in cotton genotypes.