Identification, characterization, and expression profiling of catalase gene family in Sorghum bicolor L.

Catalase (CAT) controls plant growth and development primarily by scavenging H₂O₂ from reactive oxygen species (ROS). As an antioxidant enzyme, catalase reduces ROS by converting H₂O₂ into H₂O to shield cells from oxidative stress-induced apoptosis. The CAT gene family has been identified in many plants except Sorghum bicolor. In this study, five SbCAT proteins encoded by three genes were identified in the genome of S. bicolor. Three conserved amino acids, one active catalytic site, one heme-ligand signature, and three peroxisomal targeting signal 1 (PTS1) sequences were shared by all SbCAT proteins. The presence of different cis-regulatory elements indicated that SbCAT genes might be involved in the developmental and stress adaptation pathways. SbCAT genes showed variable expression in various tissues and responses to hormonal, abiotic, and biotic stresses. The findings from this study may aid in future research on the functions of SbCAT genes in stress modulation and crop improvement.