Molecular modelling and gene expression analysis to probe the GT-γ trihelix transcription factors in Solanum tuberosum under drought stress

Abstract GT-γ transcription factors, a subfamily known for their involvement in stress responses, remain uncharacterized in Solanum tuberosum under drought stress. This study employed in-silico approaches and in-vitro expression profiling in differential tissues to investigate StGTγ-1, StGTγ-2, StGT...

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Main Authors: Tayyaba Bint Tariq, Faiza Munir, Ishrat Jabeen, Alvina Gul, Rabia Amir
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nature Portfolio 2025-04-01
Series:Scientific Reports
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-96485-7
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author Tayyaba Bint Tariq
Faiza Munir
Ishrat Jabeen
Alvina Gul
Rabia Amir
author_facet Tayyaba Bint Tariq
Faiza Munir
Ishrat Jabeen
Alvina Gul
Rabia Amir
author_sort Tayyaba Bint Tariq
collection DOAJ
description Abstract GT-γ transcription factors, a subfamily known for their involvement in stress responses, remain uncharacterized in Solanum tuberosum under drought stress. This study employed in-silico approaches and in-vitro expression profiling in differential tissues to investigate StGTγ-1, StGTγ-2, StGTγ-3, and StGTγ-4 potential role in the potato’s drought tolerance mechanisms. Analysis of cis-regulatory elements showed complex networks controlling stress response. Alpha helices were prevalent in their structures, possibly aiding protein stability and interaction. Additionally, intrinsically disordered regions were observed in some StGT-γ proteins, suggesting their role in stress adaptation through flexibility. Protein structure modeling and validation revealed structural diversity within the GT-γ family, potentially reflecting variations in functionalities. Physicochemical analysis highlighted differences in protein properties that could influence their nuclear function. Post-translational modifications further diversified their functionalities. Subcellular localization prediction and topology analysis confirmed their nuclear localization, aligning with the anticipated role in transcriptional regulation. GT-γ proteins likely regulate genes due to structural variations. This is based on the presence of DNA-binding domains and functional annotation suggesting roles in metabolism, gene expression, and stress response. Molecular docking predicted partners involved in drought response, indicating GT-γ proteins’ role in drought tolerance networks. Identified StGT-γ genes were highly expressed in leaves after 14 days of drought stress, indicating their key role in protecting this vulnerable tissue during drought. This study enhances understanding of GT-γ factors and provides a foundation for the functional characterization and in-depth exploration of the role and regulatory mechanisms of GT-γ genes in potato’s response to drought stress.
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spelling doaj-art-198ea2c59f754d73bcd90cc86da591cc2025-08-20T03:10:09ZengNature PortfolioScientific Reports2045-23222025-04-0115111810.1038/s41598-025-96485-7Molecular modelling and gene expression analysis to probe the GT-γ trihelix transcription factors in Solanum tuberosum under drought stressTayyaba Bint Tariq0Faiza Munir1Ishrat Jabeen2Alvina Gul3Rabia Amir4Department of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Atta-Ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences (ASAB), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST)Department of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Atta-Ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences (ASAB), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST)School of Interdisciplinary Engineering and Sciences (SINES), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST)Department of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Atta-Ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences (ASAB), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST)Department of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Atta-Ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences (ASAB), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST)Abstract GT-γ transcription factors, a subfamily known for their involvement in stress responses, remain uncharacterized in Solanum tuberosum under drought stress. This study employed in-silico approaches and in-vitro expression profiling in differential tissues to investigate StGTγ-1, StGTγ-2, StGTγ-3, and StGTγ-4 potential role in the potato’s drought tolerance mechanisms. Analysis of cis-regulatory elements showed complex networks controlling stress response. Alpha helices were prevalent in their structures, possibly aiding protein stability and interaction. Additionally, intrinsically disordered regions were observed in some StGT-γ proteins, suggesting their role in stress adaptation through flexibility. Protein structure modeling and validation revealed structural diversity within the GT-γ family, potentially reflecting variations in functionalities. Physicochemical analysis highlighted differences in protein properties that could influence their nuclear function. Post-translational modifications further diversified their functionalities. Subcellular localization prediction and topology analysis confirmed their nuclear localization, aligning with the anticipated role in transcriptional regulation. GT-γ proteins likely regulate genes due to structural variations. This is based on the presence of DNA-binding domains and functional annotation suggesting roles in metabolism, gene expression, and stress response. Molecular docking predicted partners involved in drought response, indicating GT-γ proteins’ role in drought tolerance networks. Identified StGT-γ genes were highly expressed in leaves after 14 days of drought stress, indicating their key role in protecting this vulnerable tissue during drought. This study enhances understanding of GT-γ factors and provides a foundation for the functional characterization and in-depth exploration of the role and regulatory mechanisms of GT-γ genes in potato’s response to drought stress.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-96485-7GT-γ trihelix transcription factorsDrought stressExpression profilingHomology modeling
spellingShingle Tayyaba Bint Tariq
Faiza Munir
Ishrat Jabeen
Alvina Gul
Rabia Amir
Molecular modelling and gene expression analysis to probe the GT-γ trihelix transcription factors in Solanum tuberosum under drought stress
Scientific Reports
GT-γ trihelix transcription factors
Drought stress
Expression profiling
Homology modeling
title Molecular modelling and gene expression analysis to probe the GT-γ trihelix transcription factors in Solanum tuberosum under drought stress
title_full Molecular modelling and gene expression analysis to probe the GT-γ trihelix transcription factors in Solanum tuberosum under drought stress
title_fullStr Molecular modelling and gene expression analysis to probe the GT-γ trihelix transcription factors in Solanum tuberosum under drought stress
title_full_unstemmed Molecular modelling and gene expression analysis to probe the GT-γ trihelix transcription factors in Solanum tuberosum under drought stress
title_short Molecular modelling and gene expression analysis to probe the GT-γ trihelix transcription factors in Solanum tuberosum under drought stress
title_sort molecular modelling and gene expression analysis to probe the gt γ trihelix transcription factors in solanum tuberosum under drought stress
topic GT-γ trihelix transcription factors
Drought stress
Expression profiling
Homology modeling
url https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-96485-7
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