Genome-Wide Analysis for TLDc domain-containing genes in Oryza sativa

Abstract

OXidation Resistance (OXR) is a family of eukaryotic proteins characterized by the presence of the highly conserved TLDc (TBC (Tre2/Bub2/Cdc16), LysM (lysine motif), domain catalytic) domain at the C-terminal half which plays a crucial role in cellular defense mechanisms, particularly in response to oxidative stress. TLDc (TBC/LysM domain catalytic) domain-containing proteins are essential regulators of oxidative stress responses in plants, a key juncture for various stress signaling pathways. This study identified six putative TLDc genes in the rice (Oryza sativa L.) genome through a comprehensive in silico analysis. These genes were characterized by their conserved TLDc domain, with gene expression analysis via qRT-PCR confirming their significant upregulation under drought and salt stress conditions. These findings suggest a potential role for TLDc genes in enhancing stress tolerance through oxidative stress regulation, making them promising miRNA targets for modulating stress responses. Comparative phylogenetic analysis reveals that rice TLDc genes share close evolutionary bonds with Wheat, Maize, and Arabidopsis thaliana, suggesting a conserved role across species. Especially, the study finds that gene duplications contribute to the diversity of TLDc genes, and examines how these duplications may influence protein subcellular localization, primarily in the plasma membrane, nucleus, and chloroplast, which are crucial for stress signaling pathways. This work builds on existing research by expanding our understanding of TLDc genes in Oryza sativa, addressing gaps in the functional characterization of the gene family in stress responses, and offering valuable insights for further exploration of their roles in plant resilience.