Understanding the structure and function of GDSL-type esterase/lipase genes in pigeon pea for their role under moisture stress conditions

Abstract

The SGNH hydrolase superfamily's GDSL-type esterase/lipase proteins (GELPs) play a crucial role in plant growth and stress tolerance. However, limited knowledge exists regarding the molecular role of GELP genes under drought conditions, especially in pigeon pea. In this study, 112 GDSL genes were found, distributed over the 11 pigeon pea chromosomes, and classified into 5 clades based on the phylogenetic analysis. The pigeon pea GDSL gene family seems to have grown significantly as a result of tandem duplications (48 %). Five exons and four introns represent the coding areas of more than 71.4 % of the CcGDSL genes, according to our analysis. According to the cis-elements study, CcGDSL gene expression was observed to be mostly influenced by fluctuating stressful situations and also by light and plant hormones. We could narrow down to 14 stress-responsive CcGDSL genes in order to assess their expression levels under seedling-stage drought stress conditions. Our data indicates that among these 112 genes, CcGDSL21, CcGDSL63, CcGDSL64 and CcGDSL92 could be involved in regulating the primary response under drought stress. This preliminary study will add to our understanding of GDSL genes in pigeon pea and help in elucidating their role in drought tolerance in pigeon pea.

Keywords

• Lipases
• GDSL gene
• Pigeon pea
• Drought stress