Genome-Wide Identification of the Gdsl-Type Esterase/Lipase Protein (Gelp) Gene Family in Ricinus Communis and its Transcriptional Regulation During Germination and Seedling Establishment Under Different Abiotic Stresses

Abstract

GDSL-type esterase/lipase proteins (GELP) genes encode a diverse array of hydrolytic enzymes with lipolytic properties. These genes are crucial in the specialized lipid metabolism and are involved in the biochemical responses of the plants to abiotic stresses and the regulation of homeostasis during all plant developmental stages. R. communis is an important oilseed crop species that can sustain growth and even productivity when exposed to a diverse array of abiotic stresses, with great plasticity towards the adaptation to harsh environmental conditions. Herein, we raised the question of whether the GDSL esterase/lipase gene family could be involved in the acquisition of R. communis tolerance to abiotic stresses during seed germination and seedling establishment. Thus, we used bioinformatics tools and transcriptomics to characterize the R. communis GELP gene family. R. communis genome possesses 96 GELP genes that were characterized by extensive bioinformatics, including phylogenetic analysis, subcellular localization, exon-intron distribution, the analysis of regulatory cis-elements, tandem duplication, physicochemical properties. Additionally, we assessed their transcriptional responses to different temperatures and salt stress during seed germination and seedling establishment. Transcriptomics indicated that numerous RcGELP genes are readily responsive to high-temperature and salt stresses and might be potential candidates for genome editing techniques to develop abiotic stress-tolerant crops. Thus, the present work identifies potential candidate genes to address real-life agronomic problems of this important crop species.

Keywords: Bioinformatics, GDSL-type esterase/lipase, lipid metabolism, oil bodies, plant-environment interactions