Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of late embryogenesis abundant protein-encoding genes in rye (Secale cereale L.)

Abstract

Late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) proteins are members of a large and highly diverse family that play critical roles in protecting cells from abiotic stresses and maintaining plant growth and development. However, the identification and biological function of genes of Secale cereale LEA (ScLEA) have been rarely reported. In this study, we identified 112 ScLEA genes, which can be divided into eight groups and are evenly distributed on all rye chromosomes. Structure analysis revealed that members of the same group tend to be highly conserved. We identified 12 pairs of tandem duplication genes and 19 pairs of segmental duplication genes, which may be an expansion way of LEA gene family. Expression profiling analysis revealed obvious temporal and spatial specificity of ScLEA gene expression, with the highest expression levels observed in grains. According to the qRT-PCR analysis, selected ScLEA genes were regulated by various abiotic stresses, especially PEG treatment, decreased temperature, and blue light. Taken together, our results provide a reference for further functional analysis and potential utilization of the ScLEA genes in improving stress tolerance of crops.

Genomics of turions from the Greater Duckweed reveal its pathways for dormancy and reemergence strategy

“…Among the 50 LEA genes that we identified in the sp9512 genome, 13 are upregulated in turions and varied from 11- to over 2,000-fold. Interestingly, 5 out of the top 6 highly expressed LEA genes in turions are most homologous in sequence to seed-specific LEAs in rye (Ding et al ., 2021), suggesting that similar preference for those types of LEAs with distinct functions is shared between seeds and turions (Fig. S8).…”

Genome-Wide Analysis of Late Embryogenesis Abundant Protein Gene Family in Vigna Species and Expression of VrLEA Encoding Genes in Vigna glabrescens Reveal Its Role in Heat Tolerance

“…The differential expression of the VrLEA-55 gene in both treatments could be attributed to mechanical injury in addition to heat stress in the detached leaf method as compared to the in planta method. Ding et al (2021) also noticed the expression of this gene in different tissues, including seeds of rye, in drought stress although the expression was non-significant. Our study reports the expression of this candidate gene in the leaves of the HT-wild Vigna genotype and provides a new insight to heat tolerance.…”

“…The overexpression of the wheat DHN-5 was reported to enhance osmotic stress tolerance in Arabidopsis ( Brini et al, 2011 ). Ding et al (2021) reported the maximum expression of LEA genes under polyethylene glycol (PEG) treatment, low temperature, and light intensity deviations in the case of rye. Therefore, the above-mentioned studies demonstrate that the LEA genes could potentially be used to improve the abiotic stress tolerance of crops.…”

Genomics of turions from the Greater Duckweed reveal its pathways for dormancy and re‐emergence strategy

“…Among the 50 LEA genes that we identified in the sp9512 genome, 13 are upregulated in turions and varied from 11-to over 2000-fold. Interestingly, five out of the top six highly expressed LEA genes in turions are most homologous in sequence to seed-specific LEAs in rye (Ding et al, 2021), suggesting that similar preference for those types of LEAs with distinct functions is shared between seeds and turions (Fig. S8).…”