Comprehensive in-silico characterization and expression analysis of UbiA prenyltransferase genes in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) against abiotic stresses

Abstract

Genes of the UbiA prenyltransferase family play key roles in secondary metabolites synthesis and biotic and abiotic stress tolerance through different metabolic pathways. Currently, there is a notable lack of comprehensive information on the UbiA genes in legumes, particularly in peanuts. To bridge this gap, we conducted a detailed genome-wide analysis to identify the UbiA genes in the peanut genome. We studied chromosomal organization, gene structure, phylogenetic relations, protein interactions, collinearity, and gene duplication events. Additionally, we predicted different cis-elements in UbiA promoters and miRNAs target sites, while expression matrices in different organs and stresses also were examined. Our study found 43 UbiA members in the peanut genome (AhUbiA), clustered into seven distinct phylogenetic groups. Tandem and segmental duplication played significant roles in the evolution of AhUbiA genes. AhUbiA promoters were enriched in key cis-elements, including 'growth and development', 'phytohormones', 'light induction', and 'defense-related' elements. Micro-RNAs from five different families targeted 12 AhUbiA genes. GO enrichment analysis indicated that AhUbiA proteins are highly enriched in transferase and catalytic activities, cellular metabolic, and biosynthesis processes. AhUbiA genes recorded expression variance in different tissues. AhUbiA-15 and AhUbiA-38 were highly expressed in roots and root nodules. AhUbiA-6, AhUbiA-7, and AhUbiA-10 were highly expressed under stress conditions. These findings are valuable for future functional studies on the AhUbiA genes for peanut breeding programs.