Genome-Wide Identification and Salinity Response Analysis of the Germin-like Protein (<i>GLP</i>) Gene Family in <i>Puccinellia tenuiflora</i>

The germin-like protein (GLP) family plays vital roles for plant growth, stress adaptation, and defense; however, its evolutionary dynamics and functional diversity in halophytes remain poorly characterized. Here, we present the genome-wide analysis of the GLP family in the halophytic forage alkalig...

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Main Authors: Yueyue Li, Zhe Zhao, Bo Li, Hongxia Zheng, Zhen Wu, Ying Li, Meihong Sun, Shaojun Dai
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-07-01
Series:Plants
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2223-7747/14/15/2259
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Summary:The germin-like protein (GLP) family plays vital roles for plant growth, stress adaptation, and defense; however, its evolutionary dynamics and functional diversity in halophytes remain poorly characterized. Here, we present the genome-wide analysis of the GLP family in the halophytic forage alkaligrass (<i>Puccinellia tenuiflora</i>), which identified 54 <i>PutGLPs</i> with a significant expansion compared to other plant species. Phylogenetic analysis revealed monocot-specific clustering, with 41.5% of <i>PutGLPs</i> densely localized to chromosome 7, suggesting tandem duplication as a key driver of family expansion. Collinearity analysis confirmed evolutionary conservation with monocot <i>GLPs</i>. Integrated gene structure and motif analysis revealed conserved cupin domains (BoxB and BoxC). Promoter <i>cis</i>-acting elements analysis revealed stress-responsive architectures dominated by ABRE, STRE, and G-box motifs. Tissue-/organ-specific expression profiling identified root- and flower-enriched <i>PutGLPs</i>, implying specialized roles in stress adaptation. Dynamic expression patterns under salt-dominated stresses revealed distinct regulatory pathways governing ionic and alkaline stress responses. Functional characterization of PutGLP37 demonstrated its cell wall localization, dual superoxide dismutase (SOD) and oxalate oxidase (OXO) enzymatic activities, and salt stress tolerance in <i>Escherichia coli</i>, yeast (<i>Saccharomyces cerevisiae INVSc</i>1), and transgenic <i>Arabidopsis</i>. This study provides critical insights into the evolutionary innovation and stress adaptive roles of GLPs in halophytes.
ISSN:2223-7747