Transcriptomic analysis of grapevine LEA gene family in response to osmotic and cold stress, and functional analyses of VamDHN3 gene

Late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) proteins comprise a large family that play important roles in the regulation of abiotic stresses. No in-depth analysis of LEA genes has been performed in grapevine. In this study, we analyzed a total of 52 putative LEA genes in grapevine at genomic and transcriptomic levels, compiled expression profiles of four selected VamLEA genes under cold and osmotic stress and studied potential function of VamDHN3 gene in grapevine callus. The 52 LEA proteins can be classified into seven phylogenetic groups. RNA-seq and qRT-PCR results demonstrated that a total of 16 and 23 VamLEA genes were upregulated under cold and osmotic stress. Overexpression of VamDHN3 enhances the stability of cell membrane in grapevine callus, suggesting VamDHN3 is involved in osmotic regulation. These results formed fundamental knowledge for further analysis of biological roles of LEA genes in grapevine's adaption to abiotic stresses.