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

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a crucial cereal crop cultivated worldwide. However, sustainable wheat production is confronted with several environmental threats, including climate change-induced temperature rise, which alters morpho-physiological traits, thereby adversely affects yield. To survive under elevated temperatures, plants have developed defense mechanisms like maintaining cytoskeleton dynamics modulated by Actin Depolymerizing Factors (ADFs). However, the molecular response of ADFs to elevated temperatures in wheat and its progenitors [Triticum durum and Aegilops tauschii] are not yet elucidated.

Thirty five potential ADF genes were identified and studied in wheat and its progenitors for phylogenetic relationships, gene structures, motif analysis, chromosomal distribution, gene ontology and cis-elements. Light, phytohormone and abiotic stress responsive cis-elements were copious. Two segmental duplicated and six tandemly duplicated ADF gene pairs were determined. Furthermore, these genes displayed a rich syntenic relationship across Oryza sativa and Brachypodium distachyon. The protein-protein interaction network revealed two hub-proteins: WD-repeat domain containing and Adenylyl cyclase-associated proteins which play essential roles in the reorganization of cytoskeleton dynamics and actin depolymerization respectively. Expression analysis demonstrated differential gene expression patterns among wheat and its progenitors, with Triticum durum displaying higher expression levels and quick recovery in response to elevated temperatures. Several Aegilops and wheat microRNAs targeted ADF genes and displayed inverse regulation under elevated temperatures at the post-transcriptional level.

Our results provide a comprehensive understanding of ADF genes in wheat and its progenitors in response to elevated temperature suggesting that genetic manipulation could be a promising avenue for enhancing resilience.