Phylogeny of the plant receptor-like kinase (RLK) gene family and expression analysis of wheat RLK genes in response to biotic and abiotic stresses

Abstract

Background The receptor-like kinase (RLK) gene families in plants contains a large number of members. They are membrane proteins with an extracellular receptor domain and participate in biotic and abiotic stress responses. Results In this study, we identified RLKs in 15 representative plant genomes, including wheat, and classified them into 64 subfamilies by using four types of phylogenetic trees and HMM models. Conserved exon‒intron structures with conserved exon phases in the kinase domain were found in many RLK subfamilies from Physcomitrella patens to Triticum aestivum. Domain distributions of RLKs were also diagrammed. Collinearity events and tandem gene clusters suggested that polyploidization and tandem duplication events contributed to the member expansions of T. aestivum RLKs. Global expression pattern analysis was performed by using public transcriptome data. These analyses were involved in T. aestivum, Aegilops tauschii and Brachypodium distachyon RLKs under biotic and abiotic stresses. We also selected 9 RLKs to validate the transcriptome prediction by using qRT‒PCR under drought treatment and with Fusarium graminearum infection. The expression trends of these 9 wheat RLKs from public transcriptome data were consistent with the results of qRT‒PCR, indicating that they might be stress response genes under drought or F. graminearum treatments. Conclusion In this study, we identified, classified, evolved, and expressed RLKs in wheat and related plants. Thus, our results will provide insights into the evolutionary history and molecular mechanisms of wheat RLKs.

Genome-wide evolutionary analysis of TKL_CTR1-DRK-2 gene family and functional characterization reveals that TaCTR1 positively regulates flowering time in wheat

“…The CTR1-DRK-2 gene family belongs to the PK gene superfamily, which has expanded in the flowering plant lineage [ 12 ]. In our 2023 article, we also analysed the phylogeny and expression patterns of the RLK gene family, which belongs to the PK gene superfamily, in wheat and other plants [ 29 ]. Based on analyses of the exon‒intron structures and domains in 15 investigated plants, we proposed an evolutionary model of the CTR1-DRK-2 gene family.…”

Integrated Analysis of lncRNAs and mRNAs Reveals Complex Gene Network Mediated by lncRNAs and Regulatory Function of MuLRR-RLK-AS in Response to Phytoplasma Infection in Mulberry

“…Leucine-rich repeat receptor-like protein kinases (LRR-RLKs) comprise one of the largest groups of receptor-like protein kinases (RLKs), which serve as receptors for signaling transduction pathways in plants [ 60 , 61 ]. It was suggested that LRR-RLKs are highly conserved and usually contain an extracellular, tandemly organized LRR domain, a single-pass transmembrane domain, and a functional protein kinase domain [ 62 ].…”

Comprehensive transcriptomic meta-analysis unveils new responsive genes to methyl jasmonate and ethylene in Catharanthus roseus

“…Studies indicate that numerous RLK/Pelles exhibit upregulation during stress, potentially impacting metabolite production through the activation of the plant's defense system against stimuli. Moreover, the extent of tandem duplication within RLK/Pelle subfamilies is related to stress responsiveness [ 66 , 67 ]. RLKs play vital roles in regulating plant development, signaling networks, disease resistance, defense mechanisms and responding to a range of stresses [ [68] , [69] , [70] ].…”