Genomic characterization and expression analysis of the cysteine-rich Polycomb-like Protein gene family of Populus trichocarpa

Abstract

The Cysteine-rich Polycomb-like Protein (CPP) gene family has emerged as a significant regulator, playing crucial roles in elucidating molecular pathways that mitigate the deleterious effects of abiotic and biotic stresses. Notwithstanding its importance, comprehensive studies focusing on the CPP gene family in P. trichocarpa, particularly under different abiotic stress responses, remain largely unexplored. In this study, the 29 CPP genes were identified and characterized during a genomic screening of P. trichocarpa. We systematically analyzed the features of their sequences, their chromosomal locations, and the 3D structures of their encoded proteins. Gene ontology and promoter region analyses revealed that the CPP gene family are involved in plant growth and development, phytohormone, and stress responses in P. trichocarpa. The interspecies evolutionary relationships, phylogenetic and protein interaction network analyses suggested that the functions of PtCPP genes are evolutionarily conserved in A. thaliana, L. chinese, O. sativa, and P. trichocarpa. Also, the expression patterns indicated that the PtCPP genes regulate salt, heat, cold, drought and ozone stress responses in P. trichocarpa. Thus, our findings will improve the understanding of the molecular mechanisms associated with stress responses in P. trichocarpa and provide valuable insights into the potential applications of CPP genes in enhancing stress resilience and sustainability in forestry and agriculture.