Kesawat, Mahipal SinghKherawat, Bhagwat SinghReager, Madan LalLenka, Sangram K.Chung, Sang-MinMasika, Fred Bwayo2026-03-102026-03-102026-01-13Kesawat, M. S., Kherawat, B. S., Reager, M. L., Kesawat, M. S., Kherawat, B. S., Reager, M. L., Lenka, S. K., Chung, S. M., & Masika, F. B. (2026). Genome-wide analysis of the pleiotropic drug resistance (PDR) gene family and putative PDR specific miRNAs: deciphering their functions in development processes and varied stresses in Triticum aestivum L. BMC genomics, 27(108).Lenka, S. K., Chung, S. M., & Masika, F. B. (2026). Genome-wide analysis of the pleiotropic drug resistance (PDR) gene family and putative PDR specific miRNAs: deciphering their functions in development processes and varied stresses in Triticum aestivum L. BMC genomics.1471-2164https://dir.muni.ac.ug/handle/20.500.12260/934This study offers new genomic insights into the pleiotropic drug resistance gene family in wheat (Triticum aestivum), revealing how these genes support plant growth, detoxification, and resilience to environmental challenges like heavy metal exposure. By centering the practical implications for farmers and food security, the research illuminates the genetic foundations that enable crops to thrive under stress, ultimately helping to secure reliable harvests in changing climates. These findings advance SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) by promoting sustainable crop production, SDG 13 (Climate Action) by enabling crops to better withstand environmental extremes, and SDG 15 (Life on Land) by supporting sustainable land management. Aligned with Uganda’s National Development Plan IV, the work underscores the importance of agricultural research and innovation in strengthening food security and promoting resilient, sustainable agro-industrial development.Background The pleiotropic drug resistance (PDR) transporter stands out as one of the largest subfamilies within ABC transporters. These transporters play crucial roles in a multitude of biological processes, including detoxification, phytohormone transportation, stomatal movement, the translocation of various secondary metabolites, tolerance to heavy metal and adaptation to the diverse stress conditions. However, the structural and functional characterization of PDR gene family members in wheat has yet to be fully elucidated. Results In this investigation, we identified 66 TaPDR genes in the genome of wheat. The subsequent phylogenetic tree revealed that the genes clustered into four subfamilies. Chromosomal mapping unveiled the dispersal of 66 TaPDR genes across 17 wheat chromosomes. The twenty-two pairs of duplicated gene were identified in the PDR family. Ka/Ks ratio revealed that 22 duplicated TaPDR genes went through purifying selection. It was noted that the TaPDR genes displayed significant diversity in their gene structures. In addition, the presence of numerous cis-regulatory elements in the promoter regions of the TaPDR genes were identified. Differential expression patterns were observed among TaPDR family members across various tissues and in response to multiple stress conditions. Moreover, this investigation explored the miRNAs targeting TaPDR genes and their expression profiles in various tissues. Conclusion Thus, the results of this study establish a strong basis for further investigation of the functions of TaPDR genes across different tissues, developmental stages, phytohormone responses, and diverse stress in wheat.enAbiotic stressBiotic stressDuplicated genesGene expressionHeavy metal tolerancePromoterPDRAnd MiRNAsArticle