Molecular dissection of actin depolymerizing factors in wheat and its progenitors: their dynamic expression under...

Area of Science:

• Plant molecular biology
• Crop science
• Genetics

Background:

• Sustainable wheat production faces threats from climate change, particularly rising temperatures.
• Elevated temperatures impact plant morpho-physiological traits and yield.
• Actin Depolymerizing Factors (ADFs) are crucial for plant defense under heat stress by modulating cytoskeleton dynamics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate the molecular response of ADF genes to elevated temperatures in wheat (Triticum aestivum) and its progenitors, Triticum durum and Aegilops tauschii.
• To provide a comprehensive understanding of ADF gene evolution, regulation, and function under heat stress.

Main Methods:

• Phylogenetic analysis, gene structure, motif, chromosomal distribution, gene ontology, and cis-element analysis of 35 ADF genes.
• Protein-protein interaction network analysis to identify key regulatory proteins.
• Expression analysis of ADF genes in wheat and its progenitors under elevated temperatures.
• Identification of microRNA targeting ADF genes and their regulatory roles.

Main Results:

• Identified 35 ADF genes with diverse phylogenetic relationships, gene structures, and chromosomal distributions.
• Discovered significant roles for WD-repeat domain containing and Adenylyl cyclase-associated proteins in cytoskeleton dynamics.
• Observed differential expression patterns of ADF genes, with Triticum durum showing higher expression and faster recovery under heat stress.
• Revealed post-transcriptional regulation of ADF genes by specific microRNAs under elevated temperatures.

Conclusions:

• The study provides a comprehensive molecular understanding of ADF genes in wheat and its progenitors under heat stress.
• Genetic manipulation of ADF genes presents a promising strategy for enhancing wheat resilience to elevated temperatures.
• Findings contribute to developing climate-resilient wheat varieties for sustainable agriculture.