Genome-wide Identification and Transcriptional Profiling of New Cobra-like Genes in Bread Wheat (Triticum Aestivum)

Abstract

\n Background: The COBL gene encodes a plant-specific glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored protein. Recently identified COBRA genes supposed as a key regulator of the orientation of cell expansion in the root indicating that Cobra gene family members are likely to be important new players at the plasma membrane-cell wall interface. Methods and Results: By performing a database search and domain prediction, we identified five genes named as TaCOBL 1, TaCOBL 2, TaCOBL 3, TaCOBL 4 and TaCOBL 5, and selected for further analysis. Chromosomal locations of each gene were drawn on karyotype. Structure of genes, promoter analysis and phylogenetic analysis were done using bioinformatics tools and databases. Set of novel SNPs were also predicted. Gene ontologies were analyzed, and pathways involving cobra genes were predicted. Whole genes of 3kb to 4kb were successfully amplified. Five set of primers were designed targeting TaCOBL 1, TaCOBL 2, TaCOBL 3 TaCOBL 4 and TaCOBL 5 genes. Expression of COBL genes were checked in root and shoot by using qPCR. The qRT-PCR revealed that expression TaCOBL genes can be regulated under abiotic stress such drought stress. Conclusion: The comprehensive annotation and expression profiling of COBL genes performed in this study enhanced our understanding and these genes were found to play a significant role in drought stress. Our findings lay the groundwork for further functional investigation of COBL genes mechanism.