Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Analysis of Pseudouridine Synthase Family in Arabidopsis and Maize

Pseudouridine (psi), the isomer of uridine (U), is the most abundant type of RNA modification, which is crucial for gene regulation in various cellular processes. Pseudouridine synthases (PUSs) are the key enzymes for the U-to-psi conversion. However, little is known about the genome-wide features and biological function of plant PUSs. In this study, we identified 20 AtPUSs and 22 ZmPUSs from Arabidopsis and maize (Zea mays), respectively. Our phylogenetic analysis indicated that both AtPUSs and ZmPUSs could be clustered into six known subfamilies: RluA, RsuA, TruA, TruB, PUS10, and TruD. RluA subfamily is the largest subfamily in both Arabidopsis and maize. It's noteworthy that except the canonical XXHRLD-type RluAs, another three conserved RluA variants, including XXNRLD-, XXHQID-, and XXHRLG-type were also identified in those key nodes of vascular plants. Subcellular localization analysis of representative AtPUSs and ZmPUSs in each subfamily revealed that PUS proteins were localized in different organelles including nucleus, cytoplasm and chloroplasts. Transcriptional expression analysis indicated that AtPUSs and ZmPUSs were differentially expressed in various tissues and diversely responsive to abiotic stresses, especially suggesting their potential roles in response to heat and salt stresses. All these results would facilitate the functional identification of these pseudouridylation in the future.

Automated summary

This study identified 20 AtPUSs and 22 ZmPUSs from Arabidopsis and maize, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis categorized them into six known subfamilies. Non-canonical RluA variants were also discovered, and subcellular localization of PUS proteins was determined. Transcriptional expression analysis revealed tissue-specific expression and differential responses to heat and salt stresses.