FORMIN proteins, which contain FH1 and FH2 domains, play crucial roles in the growth and development of organisms. However, the functions of FORMINs in rice (Oryza sativa L) remain largely unclear. In this study, a total of 17 FORMIN genes in rice genome were identified and their distribution on chromosomes, gene structure, as well as protein structure was investigated. According to their protein structural and phylogenetic features, these 17 rice FORMIN genes were classified into two distinct subfamilies. Subcellular localization prediction showed that rice FORMINs were located in cytosol, Golgi complex, endoplasmic reticulum, extracellular and vacuole. Protein protein interaction (PPI) prediction results showed that FORMIN protein might answer hormone signals and be involved in cytoskeleton dynamics regulation and cell wall morphology regulation. The gene expression analysis by using qRT-PCR indicated that a number of rice FORMIN genes were induced by auxin/indole-3-acetic acid (Aux/IAA) and abscisic acid (ABA). Importantly, some of the FORMIN genes also exhibited cadmium (Cd) and drought stress responding expression patterns, suggesting that FORMIN genes may play roles in rice while dealing with drough or Cd stress. Overall, our research may shed light on the understanding of the biological functions of rice FORMINs.

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Background: FORMIN proteins, which are composed of proteins containing FH1 and FH2 domains, play crucial roles in the growth and development of organisms. However, the functions of FORMINs in rice (Oryza sativa) remain largely unclear. Results: In this study, a total of 17 FORMIN genes were identified in rice, OsFH17 was the first time identified in this study. In addition, the distribution on chromosomes, gene structure, as well as conserved motifs of rice FORMINs was investigated. According to their protein structural and phylogenetic features, these 17 rice FORMIN genes were classified into two distinct subfamilies. Subcellular localization prediction showed that rice FORMINs were located in cytosol, golgi, endoplasmic reticulum, extracellular, and vacuole. Protein protein interaction (PPI) prediction results shown that FORMIN protein might answer hormone signals and be involved in cytoskeleton dynamics regulation and cell wall morphology regulation. The results of silico analysis and qRT-PCR confirmation of the gene expression showed that the expression of rice FORMINs were related to their tissue distribution. Moreover, OsFH3, OsFH5 and OsFH7 were upregulated under phytohormone treatments. Conclusions: Overall, our research may shed light on the understanding and further investigation of the biological functions of rice FORMINs.