Genome-wide Identification of the Laccase Gene Family in White Jute (Corchorus capsularis): Potential Targets for Lignin Engineering in Bast Fiber

Jute (Corchorus spp.) is an important industrial bast fibre crop valued for its lignocellulosic fibres, yet the molecular basis of fibre lignification remains unexplored. Laccase (EC 1.10.3.2) is a key enzyme catalysing the final steps of lignin polymerisation. A genome-wide analysis of white jute (Corchorus capsularis) identified 32 putative laccase genes (CcaLACs) that were phylogenetically grouped into six clades. Expression profiling revealed predominant expression in phloem tissue (16 genes), followed by leaf (8) and xylem/root tissues (4). Several CcaLACs showed progressive upregulation from early growth to harvest stages. Homology with Arabidopsis laccases highlighted candidate genes involved in lignification, which were further supported by transcriptomic and qRT-PCR analyses. Notably, key CcaLACs showed significantly reduced expression in dlpf (deficient lignified phloem fibre), a low-lignin white jute mutant. CcaLAC expression was also responsive to abiotic stresses, including abscisic acid and copper. MicroRNA target prediction identified Ath-miR397a and Ath-miR397b as potential regulators of multiple CcaLACs. Structural and subcellular analyses revealed conserved motifs, transmembrane domains, and diverse cellular localisation. Gene ontology analysis linked CcaLACs to lignin and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis. Among them, CcaLAC28 and CcaLAC32 emerged as strong candidate genes associated with phloem fibre lignification, representing promising targets for future functional validation towards developing low-lignin jute varieties.