Work

Genome-Wide Analysis of the 12-Oxo-Phytodienoic Acid Reductase Gene Family in Peanut and Functional Characterization of AhOPR6 in Salt Stress

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: 12-oxo-phytodienoic acid reductases (OPRs) have been substantiated as pivotal in plant growth and response to biotic and abiotic stresses. However, the functional characterization of OPR genes in the peanut genome remains limited. In this study, we identified a total of 20 OPR genes in a tetraploid cultivar and two diploid peanut species, categorizing them into two subfamilies, OPRI and OPRII. The gene structure and conserved protein motifs within each subfamily were elucidated. Additionally, our findings indicate an uneven chromosomal distribution of peanut OPR genes. Gene duplication events were identified as pivotal in the expansion of the OPR gene family. An analysis of cis-acting elements within OPR gene promoters revealed the presence of numerous phytohormone- and stress-related cis-elements. Furthermore, peanut OPR genes exhibited tissue-specific and stress-inducible expression patterns, underscoring their crucial role in peanut growth and stress response. Additionally, plants overexpressing AhOPR6 exhibited significantly enhanced resistance to salt stress, and the AhOPR6-OE lines demonstrated a higher ability to scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS). Collectively, these findings offer deeper insights into the roles of peanut OPR genes in stress responses, suggesting that AhOPR6 could serve as a potential candidate gene for improving peanut salt tolerance through genetic transformation.

Source: Plants

DOI: 10.3390/plants14101408