Real time expression and in silico characterization of pea genes involved in salt and water-deficit stress

Abstract

Abstract Background To tolerate salt and water-deficit stress, the plant adapts to the adverse environment by regulating its metabolism and expressing certain stress-induced metabolic pathways. This research analyzed the relative expression of four pea genes (proC, PAL1, SOD, and POX) in three pea varieties (Climax, Green grass, and Meteor) under different levels of salt and water-deficit stress. Methods and Results Results from RT-qPCR analysis showed increased expression of proC, PAL1, and POX genes, while SOD gene expression decreased under both stresses. Climax exhibited superior stress tolerance with elevated expression of proC and PAL1, while Meteor showed better tolerance through increased POX expression. Phylogenetic analysis revealed common ancestry with other species like chickpea, red clover, mung bean, and barrel clover, suggesting about the cross relationship among these plant species. Conserved domain analysis of respective proteins revealed that these proteins contain PLNO 2688, PLN02457, Cu-Zn Superoxide dismutase, and secretory peroxidase conserved domains. Furthermore, protein family classification indicated that the oxidation-reduction process is the most common chemical process involved in these stresses given to peas which validate the relationship of these proteins. Conclusions Salt and water-deficit stresses trigger distinct metabolic pathways, leading to the upregulation of specific genes and the synthesis of corresponding proteins. These findings further emphasize the conservation of stress-tolerance-related genes and proteins across various plant species. This knowledge enhances our understanding of plant adaptation to stress and offers opportunities for developing strategies to improve stress resilience in crops, thereby addressing global food security challenges.