Genome-wide identification, characterization, and expression pattern analysis of the glyoxalase gene family in Phyllostachys pubescens during abiotic stresses.

BACKGROUND: The glyoxalase pathway comprising of three enzymes i.e., glyoxalase I (GLYI), glyoxalase II (GLYII), and glyoxalase III (GLYIII), which play vital role in mitigating abiotic stresses by detoxifying the stress induced cytotoxic metabolite methylglyoxal (MG). Phyllostachys pubescens an ecologically and economically important forest species, plays vital roles in carbon sequestration and climate change mitigation. A genome-wide study was conducted to identify and characterize GLYI, GLYII, and unique DJ-1/GLYIII gene candidates in P. pubescens. The identified members were evaluated based on phylogenetic analysis, gene structure, chromosomal distribution, gene duplication, presence of conserved domain(s) and cis regulatory region. RESULTS: A total of 19 GLYI, 18 GLYII, and 15 GLYIII members were identified, each featuring characteristic domains: glyoxalase, metallo-β-lactamase, and DJ-1/PfpI, respectively. The presence of different cis-elements in the promoter region of the glyoxalase genes gives insights into their role and regulation under hormonal response, developmental processes and stress adaptation. Besides this, stress responsive transcription factors binding sites also dominated the promoter regions of glyoxalase genes. Expression analysis of various glyoxalase genes demonstrated significant variability under different stress conditions, underscoring their potential roles in stress modulation. Significant upregulation of all of the PhGLYI, PhGLYII, and PhGLYIII were observed under cold, drought, heavy metal and salinity stress suggesting their involvement in oxidative stress management, osmotic regulation and remodelling cellular redox homeostasis. Among the glyoxalase genes, PhGLYI-15, PhGLYII-9, and PhGLYIII-3 showed consistent upregulation under various abiotic stresses. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings reveal that glyoxalase genes crucially contribute towards the improvement of cellular osmotic potential in moso bamboo under different abiotic stresses. This study enhances our understanding of glyoxalase genes' evolution and functional roles in plants and opens new avenues for developing stress resilient crop varieties for sustainable agriculture.