Comprehensive genome-wide analysis and functional insights into calcium-dependent protein kinases (CDPKs) in Ginger...

Calcium-dependent protein kinases (CDPKs) are central regulators of plant growth, development, and stress responses, yet their genome-wide characterization in ginger remains unknown. In this study, we identified 53 CDPK genes in ginger (ZoCDPKs) and analyzed their physicochemical properties, chromosomal distribution, gene structure, conserved motifs, and evolutionary relationships. Segmental duplication was identified as the major force driving ZoCDPK family expansion. Phylogenetic analysis together with exon-intron organization and motif composition revealed strong conservation within the family. Promoter analysis identified numerous cis-regulatory elements associated with phytohormone signaling, development, and abiotic and biotic stress responses. Gene ontology and tissue-specific expression analyses further suggested that ZoCDPKs participate in calcium-mediated signaling, organ development, and stress adaptation. Combined analysis of phylogenetic relationships and promoter elements enabled the functional inference of ZoCDPKs. This study provides the first genome-wide analysis of the CDPK gene family in ginger, establishing a foundation for future functional studies on stress tolerance and productivity.