LysM domain-containing proteins modulate stress response and signalling in Triticum aestivum L.

Abstract Lysin-motif (LysM) and LysM receptor-like kinase (LYK) proteins play a major role in defence-response. The allohexaploid genome of Triticum aestivum consisted of 42 TaLysM and 20 TaLYK genes. The occurrence of tandem duplication with retention of function suggested functional conservation of TaLYK proteins, but neo-functionalization and pseudo-functionalization in TaLysM revealed functional divergence. The TaLYK and TaLysM proteins were predicted to be localized in the plasma membrane and extracellular, respectively, which suggested their role in pathogen- or microbe-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs/MAMPs) triggered immunity (PTI/MTI). Modulated expression of TaLYK and TaLysM genes during developmental stages suggested their involvement in growth and development. Differential expression during biotic and abiotic stresses and the occurrence of various stress-related cis-regulatory elements suggested their role in stress response. These genes were also found to be regulated by miRNAs. Coexpression and interaction analysis unveiled their interaction with chitin elicitors and various other genes involved in stress signalling that was used to predict putative signalling pathway and modus-operandi. The present study revealed various important features of these proteins that would help in developing future crop improvement strategies.