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Late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) proteins play important roles in regulating plant growth and responses to various abiotic stresses. In this research, a genome-wide survey was conducted to recognize the LEA genes in Glycine max. A total of 74 GmLEA was identified and classified into nine subfamilies based on their conserved domains and the phylogenetic analysis. Subcellular localization, the duplication of genes, gene structure, the conserved motif, and the prediction of cis-regulatory elements and tissue expression pattern were then conducted to characterize GmLEAs. The expression profile analysis indicated that the expression of several GmLEAs was a response to drought and salt stress. The co-expression-based gene network analysis suggested that soybean LEA proteins may exert regulatory effects through the metabolic pathways. We further explored GnLEA4_19 function in Arabidopsis and the results suggests that overexpressed GmLEA4_19 in Arabidopsis increased plant height under mild or serious drought stress. Moreover, the overexpressed GmLEA4_19 soybean also showed a drought tolerance phenotype. These results indicated that GmLEA4_19 plays an important role in the tolerance to drought and will contribute to the development of the soybean transgenic with enhanced drought tolerance and better yield. Taken together, this study provided insight for better understanding the biological roles of LEA genes in soybean.

Late Embryogenesis Abundant (LEA) proteins are extensively distributed among higher plants and are crucial for regulating growth, development, and abiotic stress resistance. However, comprehensive data regarding the LEA gene family in Ipomoea species remains limited. In this study, we conducted a genome-wide comparative analysis across seven Ipomoea species, including sweet potato ( I. batatas ), I. trifida , I. triloba , I. nil , I. purpurea , I. cairica , and I. aquatica , identifying 73, 64, 77, 62, 70, 70, and 74 LEA genes, respectively. The LEA genes were divided into eight subgroups: LEA_1, LEA_2, LEA_3, LEA_4, LEA_5, LEA_6, SMP, and Dehydrin according to the classification of the LEA family in Arabidopsis. Gene structure and protein motif analyses revealed that genes within the same phylogenetic group exhibited comparable exon/intron structures and motif patterns. The distribution of LEA genes across chromosomes varied among the different Ipomoea species. Duplication analysis indicated that segmental and tandem duplications significantly contributed to the expansion of the LEA gene family, with segmental duplications being the predominant mechanism. The analysis of the non-synonymous (Ka) to synonymous (Ks) ratio (Ka/Ks) indicated that the duplicated Ipomoea LEA genes predominantly underwent purifying selection. Extensive cis-regulatory elements associated with stress responses were identified in the promoters of LEA genes. Expression analysis revealed that the LEA gene exhibited widespread expression across diverse tissues and showed responsive modulation to various abiotic stressors. Furthermore, we selected 15 LEA genes from sweet potatoes for RT-qPCR analysis, demonstrating that five genes responded to salt stress in roots, while three genes were responsive to drought stress in leaves. Additionally, expression changes of seven genes varied at different stages of sweet potato tuber development. These findings enhanced our understanding of the evolutionary dynamics of LEA genes within the Ipomoea genome and may inform future molecular breeding strategies for sweet potatoes.

Background Late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) proteins are pivotal for seed development and abiotic stress responses in plants. Tartary Buckwheat ( Fagopyrum tataricum ), a highly adaptable and nutritionally rich pseudocereal, has garnered significant recent interest due to its exceptional stress resistance. Despite its genome sequencing completion, a comprehensive analysis of the LEA gene family in Tartary Buckwheat remains uncharacterized. Results This study employed bioinformatics approaches for a genome-wide identification of the LEA gene family (designated FtLEA genes) in F. tataricum . We analyzed its subfamily composition, evolutionary relationships, and spatiotemporal expression patterns. A total of 53 FtLEA genes were identified, distributed randomly across eight chromosomes, and categorized into eight subfamilies. Intraspecific collinearity analysis revealed 11 pairs of collinear genes, with no tandem duplications observed. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that FtLEA genes exhibit homology with sequences from both dicotyledonous and monocotyledonous model plants. Interspecies collinearity analysis further demonstrated numerous collinear gene pairs between FtLEA genes and those in both diploid and polyploid dicot crops. Promoter cis-element analysis unveiled various hormone- and abiotic stress-responsive cis-elements within the FtLEA subfamily genes. Spatiotemporal expression profiling demonstrated that FtLEA genes are specifically expressed in seeds and roots, and show significant responses to abiotic stress and hormone treatments, suggesting crucial roles during seed development and stress adaptation. Conclusion Our comprehensive genomic analysis identified 53 FtLEA genes in Tartary Buckwheat. Selection screening indicated that 11 pairs of intraspecific collinear FtLEA genes underwent strong purifying selection, implying functional conservation during evolution. The predominant expression of FtLEA genes in seeds and roots suggests their involvement in sensing and regulating abiotic stress. This study establishes a foundational understanding of the evolutionary relationships and potential biological functions of FtLEA genes, providing a basis for further targeted research.

Rice is a predominant crop for most of the people in the world. Stresses like high temperature, salinity, and drought affect almost all the stages of rice growth from germination to seed bearing stage. It also affects the weight and quality of rice. With the increasing population, which may reach 17 billion by 2100, we need to increase production of rice to feed such a massive population. But climate change and global warming decline rice yield as rice is most ill protected to stress. Among the various genes that are responsible for stress tolerance in rice like WRKY gene family, RAB genes, DREB genes, and late embryogenesis abundant ( LEA ) genes, here in this review, we have mostly discussed the importance of LEA gene in stress tolerance in rice. Around 34 LEA genes have been discovered in rice. Their main functions include assisting seed germination, tillering, protecting cell membrane, ion sequestration, and maintaining osmotic balance of the cell. Considering their importance in stress tolerance, LEA genes can be an important tool in the improvement of rice varieties that are both stress tolerant and high yielding. But, the function of certain LEA genes still needs to be discovered. Most studies regarding LEA gene have been done in vitro, so in vivo studies need to be done for a thorough functional analysis. Further, we also need to understand the complexity of genetic mechanisms associated with stress and efficiency of breeding programs need to be enhanced.

Background Late Embryogenesis Abundant (LEA) proteins are a class of proteins associated with plant stress resistance. Two Juglans species, Juglans regia and J. mandshurica , are both diploid (2n = 32), monoecious perennial economic tree species with high edible, pharmaceutical, and timber value. The identification, characterization, and expression patterns of LEA proteins in J. regia and its wild relative, J. mandshurica , would not only provide the genetic basis of this gene family, but it would also supply clues for further studies of the evolution and regulating mechanisms of LEA proteins in other tree species. Results In this study, we identified 25 and 20 members of the LEA gene family in Juglans regia and its wild relative, Juglans mandshurica , respectively. The results of phylogenetic analysis showed that the LEA members were divided into eight main subgroups. Predictions of their physicochemical properties showed the variable characteristics of LEA proteins, and the subcellular localization analysis indicated that most LEA proteins are localized in the nucleus. Chromosomal localization analysis and gene replication pattern prediction indicated that WGD is the predominant duplication mode of LEA genes. The results of the comparative analysis indicated a high level of collinearity between the two Juglans species. Analysis of cis -acting elements indicated that LEA genes had a relatively wide range of responses to abiotic stresses and phytohormonal processes, particularly in two phytohormones, methyl jasmonate and abscisic acid. Transcriptome profiling and qRT-PCR experiments showed that JrLEAs are commonly expressed in leaves, green husks, and male and female flowers, and most JmLEAs are more highly expressed in male flowers. We also hypothesized that JrLEAs are involved in the process of anthracnose resistance. Anthracnose-resistant varieties of JrLEAs presented relatively high expression levels at later stages. Conclusion In this study, we provide a theoretical basis for the functional study of LEA genes in J. regia and J. mandshurica . Analysis of cis -acting elements and gene expression indicated that JrLEAs and JmLEAs play important roles in resistance to biotic stresses in these species.

Late Embryogenesis Abundant (LEA) proteins are highly hydrophilic, glycine-rich proteins that accumulate during late seed ripening and play critical roles in abiotic stress responses. However, only a limited number of LEA genes have been functionally characterized in the drought-tolerant species physic nut, and systematic investigations of their characteristics and transcriptional dynamics remain unexplored. In this study, we identified 24 genes ( ) in physic nut, which were systematically categorized into eight evolutionary subgroups (LEA to 6, DHN, SMP) through comparative phylogenetic clustering with homologs from rice and Arabidopsis. Among the 24 genes, most were predominantly expressed in seeds, with notably elevated transcript levels during the late seed maturation stage. RNA-seq data revealed that 13 genes were responsive to one or more abiotic stress conditions (drought or salinity) in root tissues at multiple time points. Subcellular localization experiments in Arabidopsis protoplasts confirmed nuclear localization of 1, and transgenic Arabidopsis plants overexpressing exhibited enhanced drought resilience compared to wild-type, as indicated by reduced relative electrolyte leakage and MDA content, elevated proline accumulation and betaine content, and enhanced superoxide dismutase activity under drought conditions. Further analysis of transgenic plants overexpressing subjected to drought stress confirmed the functional role of genes in drought tolerance. This study provides the first in-depth genomic characterization of the LEA gene family members in physic nut, complemented by functional investigations that advance our understanding of its role in abiotic stress adaptation. Our findings offer a foundation for molecular breeding strategies to improve drought tolerance in bioenergy crops, particularly physic nut.

Background LEA proteins are widely distributed in the plant and animal kingdoms, as well as in micro-organisms. LEA genes make up a large family and function in plant protection against a variety of adverse conditions. Results Bioinformatics approaches were adopted to identify LEA genes in the flax genome. In total, we found 50 LEA genes in the genome. We also conducted analyses of the physicochemical parameters and subcellular location of the genes and generated a phylogenetic tree. LuLEA genes were unevenly mapped among 15 flax chromosomes and 90% of the genes had less than two introns. Expression profiles of LuLEA showed that most LuLEA genes were expressed at a late stage of seed development. Functionally, the LuLEA1 gene reduced seed size and fatty acid contents in LuLEA1 -overexpressed transgenic Arabidopsis lines. Conclusion Our study adds valuable knowledge about LEA genes in flax which can be used to improve related genes of seed development.

Background/Objectives: Late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) proteins regulate stress responses and contribute significantly to plant stress tolerance. As a model species for stress resistance studies, foxtail millet (Setaria italica) lacks comprehensive characterization of its LEA gene family. This study aimed to comprehensively identify SiLEA genes in foxtail millet and elucidate their functional roles and tissue-specific expression patterns. Methods: Genome-wide identification of SiLEA genes was conducted, followed by phylogenetic reconstruction, cis-acting element analysis of promoters, synteny analysis, and expression profiling. Results: Ninety-four SiLEA genes were identified and classified into nine structurally distinct subfamilies, which are unevenly distributed across all nine chromosomes. Phylogenetic analysis showed closer clustering of SiLEA genes with sorghum and rice orthologs than with Arabidopsis thaliana AtLEA genes. Synteny analysis indicated the LEA gene family expansion through tandem and segmental duplication. Promoter cis-element analysis linked SiLEA genes to plant growth regulation, stress responses, and hormone signaling. Transcriptome analysis revealed tissue-specific expression patterns among SiLEA members, while RT-qPCR verified ABA-induced transcriptional regulation of SiLEA genes. Conclusions: This study identified 94 SiLEA genes grouped into nine subfamilies with distinct spatial expression profiles. ABA treatment notably upregulated SiASR-2, SiASR-5, and SiASR-6 in both shoots and roots.

Late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) proteins are a class of proteins associated with osmotic regulation and plant tolerance to abiotic stress. However, studies on the LEA gene family in the alpine cold-tolerant herb are still limited, and the phylogenetic evolution and biological functions of its family members remain unclear. In this study, we conducted genome-wide identification, phylogenetic evolution, and abiotic stress response analyses of LEA family genes in Notopterygium species, alpine cold-tolerant medicinal herbs in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau and adjacent regions. The gene family identification analysis showed that 23, 20, and 20 LEA genes were identified in three Notopterygium species, N. franchetii, N. incisum, and N. forrestii, respectively. All of these genes can be classified into six LEA subfamilies: LEA_1, LEA_2, LEA_5, LEA_6, DHN (Dehydrin), and SMP (seed maturation protein). The LEA proteins in the three Notopterygium species exhibited significant variations in the number of amino acids, physical and chemical properties, subcellular localization, and secondary structure characteristics, primarily demonstrating high hydrophilicity, different stability, and specific subcellular distribution patterns. Meanwhile, we found that the members of the same LEA subfamily shared similar exon–intron structures and conserved motifs. Interestingly, the chromosome distributions of LEA genes in Notopterygium species were scattered. The results of the collinearity analysis indicate that the expansion of the LEA gene family is primarily driven by gene duplication. A Ka/Ks analysis showed that paralogous gene pairs were under negative selection in Notopterygium species. A promoter cis-acting element analysis showed that most LEA genes possessed multiple cis-elements connected to plant growth and development, stress response, and plant hormone signal transduction. An expression pattern analysis demonstrated the species-specific and tissue-specific expression of NinLEAs. Experiments on abiotic stress responses indicated that the NinLEAs play a crucial role in the response to high-temperature and drought stresses in N. franchetii leaves and roots. These results provide novel insights for further understanding the functions of the LEA gene family in the alpine cold-tolerant Notopterygium species and also offer a scientific basis for in-depth research on the abiotic stress response mechanisms and stress-resistant breeding.

Late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) proteins are identified in many crops for their response and role in adaptation to various abiotic stresses, such as drought, salinity, and temperature. The LEA genes have been studied systematically in several crops but not in Vigna crops. In this study, we reported the first comprehensive analysis of the LEA gene family in three legume species, namely, mung bean ( Vigna radiata ), adzuki bean ( Vigna angularis ), and cowpea ( Vigna unguiculata ), and the cross-species expression of VrLEA genes in a wild tetraploid species, Vigna glabrescens . A total of 201 LEA genes from three Vigna crops were identified harboring the LEA conserved motif. Among these 55, 64, and 82 LEA genes were identified in mung bean, adzuki bean, and cowpea genomes, respectively. These LEA genes were grouped into eight different classes. Our analysis revealed that the cowpea genome comprised all eight classes of LEA genes, whereas the LEA-6 class was absent in the mung bean genome. Similarly, LEA-5 and LEA-6 were absent in the adzuki bean genome. The analysis of LEA genes provides an insight into their structural and functional diversity in the Vigna genome. The genes, such as VrLEA-2 , VrLEA-40 , VrLEA-47 , and VrLEA-55 , were significantly upregulated in the heat-tolerant genotype under stress conditions indicating the basis of heat tolerance. The successful amplification and expression of VrLEA genes in V. glabrescens indicated the utility of the developed markers in mung bean improvement. The results of this study increase our understanding of LEA genes and provide robust candidate genes for future functional investigations and a basis for improving heat stress tolerance in Vigna crops.