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Comparative in-silico analysis of the bHLH protein family in rice Oryza sativa subsp. japonica cv. Nipponbare

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The basic Helix-Loop-Helix (bHLH) proteins are key regulators of gene expression, development and responses to environmental stimuli in plants. In this study, we performed a comprehensive computational analysis of six bHLH proteins (OsbHLH056, OsbHLH057, OsbHLH058, OsbHLH059, OsbHLH062 and OsbHLH063) in Oryza sativa subsp. japonica cv. Nipponbare. Their physicochemical properties, secondary and tertiary structures, domains, phylogenetic relationships, subcellular localisation and protein-protein interactions were investigated. Results showed that OsbHLH062 had the highest molecular weight (29,686.27 kilodalton (kDa) and amino acid number (265), while OsbHLH058 had the lowest (7,896.08 kDa; 77 amino acids). Isoelectric point analysis indicated five proteins were acidic, while OsbHLH058 was basic. All proteins were predicted to be unstable, reflecting the flexibility essential for regulation. Aliphatic index values (61.13–85.26) suggested moderate thermo-stability. The secondary structure was dominated by α-helices, which enhance structural stability and the extinction coefficients suggested enrichment of cysteine, tryptophan and tyrosine residues. Phylogenetic analysis showed OsbHLH057 as the earliest ancestor among the six proteins. Subcellular localisation predictions identified nuclear targeting for all proteins, with OsbHLH059 showing the highest nuclear localisation probability. Protein-protein interaction analysis highlighted potential partners, implying roles in diverse cellular pathways. This study provides valuable insights into the molecular characteristics, structure and interactions of rice bHLH proteins. These findings form a foundation for experimental validation and functional characterisation. Understanding these proteins may enable the development of innovative strategies to enhance abiotic stress tolerance and crop productivity in rice.

Source: Plant Science Today

DOI: 10.14719/pst.11864

Authors: S Roshani, K S Parshant, Singh Ruchi Singh, Singh Sharad, Gautam Vedant

Institutions: Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Banaras Hindu University, Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology

Language: English

Topic: Plant Molecular Biology Research

Subfield: Plant Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Zero hunger

Open Access status: diamond

Funder: Banaras Hindu University