Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Analysis of DGK (Diacylglycerol Kinase) Genes in Common Bean

Diacylglycerol kinases (DGKs) are a family of enzymes that play an important functional role in various stress responses in plants by converting diacylglycerol to phosphatidic acid. In this study, genome-wide identification of DGK genes, expression analysis under non-stress in various developmental stages and under salt stress in different tissues of common bean were performed for the first time. The 6 DGK gene family members (PvDGK1, 2, 3, 5a, 5b, and 6) having conserved catalytic domains were identified by an exploration of common bean genome via multiple online databases. The protein lengths and molecular weights of PvDGKs were found between 423 and 727 amino acids (aa) and ranging from 47.31 to 81.09 kDa, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that PvDGK genes grouped into three clusters as described for known plant DGK families; cluster I (PvDGK1, 2), cluster II (PvDGK3) and cluster III (PvDGK5a, 5b, 6) genes, respectively. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis revealed that all PvDGK genes indicated divergent expression patterns in all tissues at different developmental stages under non-stress condition. Furthermore, PvDGK genes were also significantly upregulated in response to salt stress in root and leaf tissues of common bean cultivars at different time points. These results indicated the possible roles of PvDGK genes in developmental stages and salt stress in common bean. The findings herein will guide further investigations on the comprehension and functional characterization of the PvDGKs and the breeding studies to be carried out related to stress in the common bean near future.

Automated summary

In this study, DGK genes in common bean were identified and their expression patterns under different developmental stages and salt stress were analyzed. The results showed that PvDGK genes had divergent expression patterns in different tissues and developmental stages, as well as being significantly upregulated under salt stress in root and leaf tissues.