BackgroundThe COBL genes encode a plant-specific glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored protein. Recently identified COBRA genes are supposed as a key regulator of the orientation of cell expansion in the root indicating that COBRA gene family members are likely to be important players at the plasma membrane-cell wall interface. Methods and resultsFive COBL gene namely, TaCOBL 1, TaCOBL 2, TaCOBL 3, TaCOBL 4 and TaCOBL 5 were identified using database search and domain predictions. Chromosomal location of each gene was mapped on karyotype. Structure of genes, promoter analysis and phylogenetic analysis were performed using different bioinformatics tools. Set of novel SNPs were also predicted. Gene ontologies were analyzed, and the processes and pathways were identified in which COBRA genes were involved. The molecular weight all the cobra proteins was in range of 50-75 KDa with 429-461 amino acid residues. The COBL genes were mapped on homeologous groups 2, 4, 5, 6 and 7. Gene ontology analysis revealed that TaCOBL genes were involved in cellulose microfibril organization, mucilage biosynthetic process involved in seed coat development, planttype cell wall biogenesis plant-type cell wall cellulose biosynthetic process, seed coat development and seed development. Three drought responsive cis-elements (WRKY, ABRE and DRE) were found nearby COBL genes The qRT-PCR revealed TaCOBL genes are drought responsive and can be further explored to understand their role in drought tolerance in wheat. ConclusionThe comprehensive annotation and expression profiling of COBL genes revealed that all five COBL genes are drought response. The promoter cis-regulatory element analysis revealed that COBL genes had stress related WRKY, ABRE and DRE cis-regulatory elements. This evidence suggest that TaCOBL genes are involved in drought stress tolerance.

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Background: The COBL gene encodes a plant-specific glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored protein. Recently identified COBRA genes supposed as a key regulator of the orientation of cell expansion in the root indicating that Cobra gene family members are likely to be important new players at the plasma membrane-cell wall interface. Methods and Results: By performing a database search and domain prediction, we identified five genes named as TaCOBL 1, TaCOBL 2, TaCOBL 3, TaCOBL 4 and TaCOBL 5, and selected for further analysis. Chromosomal locations of each gene were drawn on karyotype. Structure of genes, promoter analysis and phylogenetic analysis were done using bioinformatics tools and databases. Set of novel SNPs were also predicted. Gene ontologies were analyzed, and pathways involving cobra genes were predicted. Whole genes of 3kb to 4kb were successfully amplified. Five set of primers were designed targeting TaCOBL 1, TaCOBL 2, TaCOBL 3 TaCOBL 4 and TaCOBL 5 genes. Expression of COBL genes were checked in root and shoot by using qPCR. The qRT-PCR revealed that expression TaCOBL genes can be regulated under abiotic stress such drought stress. Conclusion: The comprehensive annotation and expression profiling of COBL genes performed in this study enhanced our understanding and these genes were found to play a significant role in drought stress. Our findings lay the groundwork for further functional investigation of COBL genes mechanism.