Genome-wide identification and analysis of Catharanthus roseus RLK1-like kinases in Nicotiana benthamiana

Abstract

Background The Catharanthus roseus RLK1-like kinase (CrRLK1L) is a subfamily of the RLK gene family, and members are sensors of cell wall integrity and regulators of cell polarity growth. Recent studies have also shown that members of this subfamily are involved in plant immunity. Nicotiana benthamiana is a model plant widely used in the study of plant-pathogen interactions. However, the members of the NbCrRLK1L subfamily and their response to pathogens have not been reported. Results In this study, a total of 31 CrRLK1L members were identified in the N. benthamiana genome, and these can be divided into 6 phylogenetic groups (I-VI). The members in each group have similar exon-intron structures and conserved motifs. NbCrRLK1Ls were predicted to be regulated by cis-acting elements such as STRE, TCA, ABRE, etc., and to be the target of transcription factors such as Dof and MYB. The expression profiles of the 16 selected NbCrRLK1Ls were determined by quantitative PCR. Most NbCrRLK1Ls were highly expressed in leaves but there were different and diverse expression patterns in other tissues. Inoculation with the bacterium Pseudomonas syringae or with Turnip mosaic virus significantly altered the transcript levels of the tested genes, suggesting that NbCrRLK1Ls may be involved in the response to pathogens. Conclusions This study systematically identified the CrRLK1L members in N. benthamiana, and analyzed their tissue-specific expression and gene expression profiles in response to different pathogens and two pathogens associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). This research lays the foundation for exploring the function of NbCrRLK1Ls in plant-microbe interactions.

Characterization of Malectin/Malectin-like Receptor-like Kinase Family Members in Foxtail Millet (Setaria italica L.)

“…In plants, it was further reported that MRLK proteins plays an important role in plant growth [ 46 , 47 ], cell wall integrity [ 16 ], fertilization [ 48 ], hormone signal transduction [ 14 , 17 , 49 ], and immune and stress response [ 16 , 24 , 45 ]. The MRLK genes have been identified in the genomes of Arabidopsis [ 47 ], rice [ 18 , 19 , 47 ], cotton [ 50 ], tobacco [ 21 ], soybean [ 51 ], pear [ 52 ] and apple [ 53 ]. So far, however, there have been no reports on the members of this family in foxtail millet.…”

“…Up till now, 16 MRLK genes have been reported in the rice genome [ 18 ], but according to our recent study, at least 67 members were identified in this plant [ 19 ]. A total of 31 MRLK members that could take part in the response to biotic and abiotic stress have been characterized in the tobacco genome [ 20 , 21 ]; such overexpression of NtCrRLK1L47 could enhance salt tolerance in tobacco seedlings [ 20 ]. A total of 24 CrRLK1L members were investigated in tomatoes, and they may also be involved in the stress tolerance of tomato [ 22 ].…”

Genome-Wide Identification and Analysis of Catharanthus roseus Receptor-like Kinase 1-like Proteins in Eggplant

“…The potato StCrRLK1Ls promoter region have a variety of cis-regulatory elements in response to plant hormones, defense and stress, and StCrRLK1Ls' expression has been altered after Phytophthora infestans infection, suggesting that they may play an important role in the response of potato to pathogenic fungi, and can be screened as candidate genes for further resistance research and functional analysis [47]. Upon Pseudomonas syringae infection, Nicotiana benthamiana NbCrRLK1Ls have displayed significant changes in expression, indicating that these genes may be involved in the response to Pseudomonas syringae [60]. Additionally, CqFER in Chenopodium quinoa, GmCrRLK1L20 in soybean, and NtCrRLK1L47 in tobacco have been documented to partake in the modulation of salt stress responses [42,46,61].…”

Genome wide characterization and expression analysis of CrRLK1L gene family in wheat unravels their roles in development and stress-specific responses

“…Previous genome wide analysis of the CrRLK1L gene family has been carried out in various plant species, including Arabidopsis thaliana (L.), Oryza sativa L., Solanum lycopersicum, Nicotiana benthamiana , and Gossypium raimondii . The rice genome has 16, the tomato has 24, Nicotiana benthamiana has 31, and the diploid cotton species G. raimondii has 44 CrRLK1L genes ( Lindner et al., 2012 ; Nguyen et al., 2015 ; Niu et al., 2016 ; Rao et al., 2021 ; Ma et al., 2023 ). These studies prompted us to further research CrRLK1L gene families in wheat ( T. aestivum ) to unravel their role in plant growth, development, and stress responses.…”