OSCA Genes in Liriodendron chinense: Characterization, Evolution and Response to Abiotic Stress

Abstract

The hyperosmolality-gated calcium-permeable channels (OSCA) play an imperative role in the plant response to environmental stresses. Moreover, their characteristics in the ornamental woody plant Liriodendron chinense, widely dispersed in the southern region of China, is yet to be elucidated. In the present study, 399 OSCA proteins were identified from 31 plant genomes, and comparative phylogenetic analysis revealed that LchiOSCAs gene family is closely related to the Magnolia Cinnamomum kanehirae OSCAs. In L. chinense, 11 LchiOSCA genes were identified and distributed across eight chromosomes. Additionally, phylogenetic analysis of LchiOSCAs exhibited a classification into four subfamilies based on the tree arrangement, similarity in the gene structures, and conserved motif numbers and order. Gene duplication investigations were biased towards the tandem duplication events, accounting for 36% (4/11) of the LchiOSCA gene family. The interspecies collinearity analysis revealed a closer relationship between the L. chinense OSCAs and the P. trichocarpa OSCAs. Analysis in promoter regions of the LchiOSCAs showed the presence of multiple phytohormones and stress responsive elements. Specifically, the ABA-responsive elements had the greatest representation. 3D protein structures of the modeled L. chinense OSCAs exhibited a high homology with the template structures, providing a better understanding of LchiOSCAs’ functionality at the proteome level. The expression pattern analysis of LchiOSCAs based on the transcriptome data and qRT-PCR in L. chinense leaves showed differential responses to drought, cold, and heat stress at varying degrees. Specifically, LchiOSCA2 and LchiOSCA4 were highly expressed under the three abiotic stresses. This research will provide valuable resources and further the understanding of plant OSCA genes in L. chinense for agronomic breeding and bio-engineering purposes.

Genomic Survey of Heat Shock Proteins in Liriodendron chinense Provides Insight into Evolution, Characterization, and Functional Diversities

“…The protein length, molecular weight (MW), theoretical isoelectric point (PI), instability index, and grand average of the hydropathicity (GRAVY) of HSPs in L. chinense were analyzed by the ExPASy Proteomics Server ( , accessed on 15 September 2022). The WoLF PSORT online website ( , accessed on 15 September 2022) predicted the subcellular localization of the LchiHSP gene members [ 47 ].…”

Systematic Characterization of GATA Transcription Factors in Liriodendron chinense and Functional Validation in Abiotic Stresses

“…Ka/Ks value computation showed Ka < Ks and Ka/Ks < 1, signifying a purifying selection. These findings suggest that the Ka genes (LcGATA10, LcGATA16, LcGATA18, LcGATA13, and LcGATA17) might be some of the genes behind how the L. chinense species adapts to external environmental stresses [ 31 , 62 ].…”

“…The RNA integrity was assessed using the RNA Nano 6000 Assay Kit (Agilent Technologies, Santa Clara, CA, USA). A total amount of 1 μg RNA per sample was used as input material for additional research [ 31 ].…”

“…All identified LcGATA proteins were predicted for subcellular localization using the DeepLoc-2.0 tool (https://services.healthtech.dtu.dk/ services/DeepLoc-2.0/, accessed on 27 April 2023) [30]. The conserved domain (CDD), motif number and arrangements, and cis-elements were analyzed using previously described methods [31,32]. To gain knowledge of the protein interactions, we constructed a protein-to-protein network using the String Database (http://string-db.org, accessed on 14 June 2022).…”