EF-hand domain-containing proteins in Triticum aestivum: Insight into their roles in stress response and signalling

Abstract

In plants, Ca2+ is an integral element in several stresses related signallings. During environmental stresses, the cytosolic Ca2+ concentration tends to rise rapidly, which is further co-ordinate with EF-hand domain-containing proteins. In our study, a total of 586 EF-hand domain-containing proteins were identified in Triticum aestivum as calmodulin (CaM)/Calmodulin-like (CML), calcineurin B-like (CBL), protein kinase (CDPK, CRK, CCaMK), respiratory burst oxidase homologs (RBOHs), miscellaneous proteins and un-categorized EF-hand proteins (UEPs). These proteins either carried the EF-hand domain singly or along with other domains. Phylogenetically, the proteins were clustered into eight groups, each with diverse types of proteins. The genes were found on all the chromosomes and sub-genomes of T. aestivum. The gene structure analysis revealed their conserved architecture. The diverse expression patterns of genes indicated their involvement in plant growth and development. The modulated expression of various genes to heat, drought, combined heat drought, salt and two fungal stresses unveiled their functioning in defence responses. Moreover, the altered expression under CaCl2 treatment suggested their role in stress signalling. Furthermore, the miRNA interaction analysis revealed their interaction with various plant development and stress resistance associated miRNAs, which also showed their participation in these phenomenon. Additionally, protein-protein and protein-chemical analyses revealed the interaction of EF-hand proteins with various Ca2+ binding/sensing proteins which regulate Ca2+- mediated signallings.This study will be useful in the functional characterization of potential candidate genes in future studies.