AUTHOR=Guo Wei , Li Xinhui , Yang Tao , Huang Chunguo , Zhao Bo , Wang Peng 

TITLE=Identification and expression of the Di19 gene family in response to abiotic stress in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Genetics

VOLUME=15

YEAR=2024

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/genetics/articles/10.3389/fgene.2024.1401011

DOI=10.3389/fgene.2024.1401011

ISSN=1664-8021

ABSTRACT=<p>Drought-induced 19 (Di19) protein plays critical biological functions in response to adversity as well as in plant growth and development. Exploring the role and mechanism of <italic>Di19</italic> in abiotic stress responses is of great significance for improving plant tolerance. In this study, six <italic>Di19</italic> genes were identified in the common bean (<italic>Phaseolus vulgaris</italic> L.), which were mainly derived from segmental duplications. These genes share conserved exon/intron structures and were classified into three subfamilies based on their phylogenetic relationships. The composition and arrangement of conserved motifs were consistent with their phylogenetic relationships. Many hormone- and stress-responsive elements were distributed in the promoters region of <italic>PvDi19</italic> genes. Variations in histidine residues in the Cys2/His2 (C2H2) zinc-finger domains resulted in an atypical tertiary structure of PvDi19-5. Gene expression analysis showed rapid induction of <italic>PvDi19-1</italic> in roots by 10% PEG treatment, and <italic>PvDi19-2</italic> in leaves by 20% PEG treatment, respectively. Most <italic>PvDi19s</italic> exhibited insensitivity to saline-alkali stress, except for <italic>PvDi19-6</italic>, which was notably induced during later stages of treatment. The most common bean <italic>Di19</italic> genes were inhibited or not regulated by cadmium stress, but the expression of <italic>PvDi19-6</italic> in roots was significantly upregulated when subjected to lower concentrations of cadmium (5 mmol). Moreover, <italic>Di19s</italic> exhibited greater sensitivity to severe cold stress (6°C). These findings enhance our understanding of the role of <italic>PvDi19s</italic> in common bean abiotic stress responses and provide a basis for future genetic enhancements in common bean stress tolerance.</p>