Genome-Wide Characterization of the Soybean GmCXE Gene Subfamily Reveals GmCXE54 as a Candidate Gene for Root Isoflavone Accumulation

Genome-wide Identification of CXE Gene Family in Soybean and Functional Characterization of GmCXE31 in Lipid Biosynthesis and Salt Tolerance.

This study elucidates the multifaceted roles of GmCXE31 in coordinating soybean salt tolerance, lipid metabolism and agronomic traits, providing theoretical and genetic resources for salt-tolerant and high-quality soybean molecular breeding.

Genome-Wide Identification of the Soybean GH5 Gene Family and Functional Analysis of GmGH5-22 in Salt Tolerance

Plant GH5 family genes function in both cell wall biosynthesis and stress responses. However, comprehensive studies on GH5 genes in the soybean remain limited. Here, we identified 28 GmGH5 genes from the soybean genome. Phylogenetic analysis assigned these genes to three subfamilies (I–III), with no representatives in subfamily IV. The GmGH5 family harbors 15 conserved motifs, which are largely similar within subfamilies but differ across subfamilies. Additionally, exon–intron structures (2–7 introns) exhibit clade-specific patterns, with members within the same clade sharing similar intron numbers and lengths, whereas distinct clades show some variation. The promoter regions of GmGH5 genes contained various cis-acting regulatory elements associated with stress responses and developmental processes. Transcriptome-based expression profiling revealed distinct tissue-specific expression patterns of GmGH5 genes. RT-qPCR further confirmed their differential expression under salt, alkaline, cold, and drought stresses, especially a significant increase in GmGH5-22 expression under salt stress (approximately 22-fold at 6 h, **** p < 0.0001). Furthermore, GmGH5-22 was highly expressed in roots, and transient expression in tobacco leaves showed its peripheral localization, which aligns with its predicted extracellular localization, suggesting that GmGH5-22 is highly likely localized to the cell wall. Overexpression of GmGH5-22 in soybean hairy roots significantly improved tolerance to salt stress. These findings establish a foundation for functional characterization of GmGH5 genes and provide viable targets for molecular breeding to enhance salt tolerance in soybeans.

Genome-wide identification and evolution of the RCP gene family in soybean uncovers stress-responsive candidates

Genome-Wide Identification of the GmATG Gene Family and Its Response to Multiple Biotic and Abiotic Stresses in Soybean (Glycine max)

This study systematically characterizes the composition, expansion and stress response patterns of the GmATG gene family, revealing functional differentiation among family members.

Genome-Wide Identification of the R2R3-MYB Gene Family in Solanum americanum and Functional Analysis of Its Role in Fruit Coloration

Anthocyanins are key secondary metabolites responsible for fruit coloration in plants, and their biosynthesis is largely regulated by R2R3-MYB transcription factors. However, the R2R3-MYB regulators controlling fruit anthocyanin accumulation in wild Solanum species remain poorly understood. Here, Solanum americanum was used to identify candidate R2R3-MYB genes associated with fruit coloration through genome-wide identification, phylogenetic analysis, synteny analysis, expression profiling, and virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS). A total of 122 SaMYB genes were identified, and phylogenetic analysis revealed that SaMYB proteins clustered with Arabidopsis thaliana R2R3-MYB members in conserved subgroups, suggesting evolutionary conservation of this family. Synteny analysis identified 37 syntenic gene pairs among SaMYB genes, and the Ka/Ks values of all analyzable gene pairs were below 1, indicating that these duplicated genes are subject to functional constraint. Integrated analysis of phylogenetic relationships, protein structures, promoter cis-elements, and fruit developmental expression patterns identified SaMYB59 and SaMYB106 as candidate regulators of anthocyanin accumulation. VIGS analysis demonstrated that silencing SaMYB106 reduced purple coloration, decreased anthocyanin content, and downregulated the expression of the structural gene DFR. These results indicate that SaMYB106 functions as a positive regulator of fruit anthocyanin accumulation in S. americanum. This study provides insights into the molecular basis of fruit coloration in wild Solanum species.

Genome-wide identification of the Glycine max (soybean) aspartate kinase (AK) gene family and functional analysis of the GmAK6 gene in seed amino acid metabolism

It is suggested that GmAK6 plays a regulatory role in amino acid metabolism during seed development and highlight the functional importance of AK genes in soybean.