Abstract:
Calcium ions (Ca²?) are essential for plant development and adaptation to environmental challenges, particularly heavy metal (HM) stress. This study aimed to explore the calcium-mediated stress response in Solanum lyco persicumby identifying and characterizing the calmodulin gene family (SlCalMs), a key sub-family of calcium-binding proteins (CBPs), to understand their roles in cadmium (Cd) stress tolerance. A genome-wide identification of SlCalMs was conducted using Oryza sativa sequences as a reference. Bioinformatics analyses included BLASTP searches, sequence alignment, phylogenetic, assessment of physicochemical properties, gene structure and motif analysis, chromosomal mapping, and duplication events. Gene expression was assessed under Cd stress using RNA-seq and validated by qRT-PCR. Molecular docking simulations evaluated Cd-binding affinities, and protein-protein interaction networks and gene ontology (GO) enrichment were used to explore biological functions. Eight distinct SlCalM groups were identified, varying in gene size, exon number, and isoelectric point. Conserved motifs, exon-intron patterns, and stress-responsivecis-elements were identified. Chromosomal analysis revealed segmental duplications. Under Cd stress, several SlCalMs showed differential expression; notably, Solyc04g077830 was significantly down regulated and showed strongCd-binding affinity in silico, suggesting a role in Cd sequestration. GO and interaction network analyses confirmed their involvement in Ca²? signaling, metal ion binding, and stress-related pathways. This study provides comprehensive insight into the structure, evolution, and functional roles of SlCalMs in tomato. Their involvement in Ca²? signaling and Cd stress response highlights their potential for improving heavy metal tolerance, offering valuable targets for future genetic or biotechnological interventions in crop improvement.
Page(s):
38-38
DOI:
DOI not available
Published:
Journal: 1st International Conference on "Recent Advances in Green Biotechnology and Climate Resilience", September 15-16, 2025, Volume: 1, Issue: 1, Year: 2025
Keywords:
Tomato
,
Cd stress
,
Genomewide analysis
,
SlCalMs
,
Differential gene expression