Genome-wide survey and expression analysis of peptides containing tyrosine sulfation (PSY) gene family in Cicer arietinum L.
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Date
2026-02-21
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Springer Nature
Abstract
Background
Plant growth and developmental processes are tightly regulated by small secreted peptides, however, the functions and mechanisms of Tyrosine Sulfation-containing Peptides (PSY) remain unclear. In chickpea, knowledge of PSY genes family is limited.
Results
This study employed comprehensive bioinformatics approaches to identify and characterize seven CaPSY genes in the chickpea genome. The analyses encompass chromosomal localization, evolutionary relationships, gene structure, conserved motif identification, promoter architecture, prediction of PSY-targeting miRNAs, and expression profiling. Chromosomal mapping revealed that CaPSY genes are confined to four specific chromosomes rather than being evenly distributed across the genome. Phylogenetic analysis resolved nine distinct groups, each further subdivided into subgroups. Additionally, CaPSY genes were found to contain one to two introns. Amino acid sequence comparisons demonstrated that each CaPSY gene consistently harbors a PSY domain in its C-terminal end. Promoter analysis of CaPSY genes revealed the presence of multiple hormone-responsive elements, including ABRE, SARE, AuxRE, and MeJARE, as well as stress-related elements such as the drought-responsive MBS, suggesting potential regulatory roles in development and stress adaptation. Further, the expression patterns of CaPSY were evaluated in multiple tissues as well as in response to abiotic stresses. The results indicated differential expression of CaPSY genes among tissues and under multiple abiotic stress conditions. We further detected several miRNAs likely to target CaPSY genes and assessed how they are expressed in different tissues.
Conclusion
Thus, these findings serve as a crucial resource for basic and applied research, enabling advancements in chickpea productivity and stress tolerance via precise genome editing and innovative breeding methods.
Description
This study uncovers key genetic factors—specifically, Tyrosine Sulfation peptide genes—in chickpea that can be harnessed to develop varieties with greater stress tolerance and productivity. By focusing on these genes, the research lays the groundwork for breeding and biotechnological approaches that help chickpeas withstand drought and other environmental challenges. These advances support SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) by promoting food security, SDG 13 (Climate Action) through climate-resilient crops, and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) via agricultural innovation. The findings also reinforce Uganda’s National Development Plan IV priorities for resilient, productive agriculture.
Keywords
Abiotic stress, Bioinformatics tools, Chickpea, Expression profile, MiRNA and PSY
Citation
Kesawat, M. S., Kumar, V., Manohar, S., Sohail, A., Rani, M., Chung, S. M., ... & Masika, F. B. (2026). Genome-wide survey and expression analysis of peptides containing tyrosine sulfation (PSY) gene family in Cicer arietinum L. BMC genomics, 27(250).