Evolutionary Patterns and Functional Analysis of MATH Genes: Insights into Cold Tolerance Mechanisms in Oilseed Rape ( Brassica napus )

Genome-wide identification and systematic characterization of MATH family genes and expression analysis of response to abiotic stresses in Brassica napus L

Meprin and TRAF-C homology (MATH) proteins function as adaptor molecules and components of E3 ubiquitin ligase complexes. They link receptor-like kinase signalling to downstream regulatory pathways in plants. MATH proteins coordinate growth, hormone signalling, and responses to abiotic stress by modulating ubiquitin-dependent proteostasis. Despite their importance, however, little is known about the diversity, function, and specific regulatory role of the MATH gene family in Brassica napus . We identified 151 BnMATH family genes distributed across the 19 chromosomes of B. napus using a hidden Markov model-based genome-wide search followed by domain validation. Comparative phylogenetic and structural analyses classified these genes into four conserved clades, revealing that extensive segmental and tandem duplication events had driven the family expansion. Promoter analysis revealed more than 6,000 cis-acting regulatory elements associated with hormone- and stress-responsive gene expression. A total of 44 miRNA families targeting BnMATH genes were identified, among which 10 have been previously validated to be involved in biological processes. Transcriptome profiling combined with qRT-PCR validation revealed pronounced tissue-specific and abiotic-stress-responsive expression patterns. Notably, BnMATH06 , BnMATH92, and BnMATH135 were strongly induced by salt and drought stress, suggesting a potential role in stress adaptation. These findings deepen our understanding of the MATH gene family and provide a robust foundation for future functional genomics research targeting their specific biological roles, particularly in hormone-driven regulation and adaptation to abiotic stress.

Genome-Wide Exploration of SUPPRESSOR OF MAX2 1-LIKE Genes in Peanut (Arachis hypogaea) Reveals Developmental and Stress-responsive Expression Patterns

Genome-Wide Identification and Stress Response Analysis of the GATA Gene Family in Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.)

This study elucidates the evolutionary conservation and functional diversity of the eggplant GATA family, providing valuable candidate genes for future functional research and stress-tolerant molecular breeding in eggplant.

Genome-Wide Identification of the CmTIFY Gene Family and Analysis of Its Expression Patterns under Cold Stress (Cucumis melo L.)

Genome-Wide Identification of the TaBSK Gene Family and Its Salt-Responsive Expression Patterns in Wheat

An evolutionary and transcriptional atlas of the wheat TaBSK family is delivered and candidate genes for functional validation and molecular breeding toward salt-tolerant wheat varieties are provided.

Genome-Wide Characterization of the ScLOR Gene Family in Wild Tomato Solanum lycopersicoides Reveals ScLOR16 as a Negative Regulator of Cold-and Drought-Stress Tolerance

The LOR (LURP-one related) gene family encodes proteins containing conserved LOR domains; however, its functions in plant abiotic stress responses remain largely unexplored. In this study, we systematically identified and characterized the LOR gene family in the stress-tolerant wild tomato Solanum lycopersicoides using comprehensive bioinformatic analyses and conducted functional validation of the candidate gene ScLOR16. A total of 19 ScLOR members were identified and classified into eight phylogenetic subgroups. Numerous cis-acting elements associated with responses to abscisic acid (ABA), cold, and drought, including ABRE, LTR, and MBS, were detected in the promoter regions, suggesting that the ScLOR family may be broadly involved in ABA-mediated stress signaling pathways. RT-qPCR analysis revealed that ScLOR16 expression was significantly induced by both cold and drought treatments. Subcellular localization assays demonstrated that ScLOR16 is localized in both the nucleus and cytoplasm. Virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) was subsequently employed to generate ScLOR16-silenced plants. Following 24 h of cold treatment at 4 °C and four days of drought stress, ScLOR16-silenced seedlings exhibited significantly less severe wilting symptoms than empty-vector controls. Physiological analyses showed that silenced plants exhibited enhanced superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) activities, increased proline accumulation, and decreased thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) content. Collectively, these results indicate that reduced ScLOR16 transcript levels are associated with enhanced cold and drought tolerance, accompanied by alterations in antioxidant defense and osmoprotection-related physiological markers. This study yields new insights into the evolution and stress-related functions of the ScLOR family.