Genome Wide Identification and Characterization of Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) Genes Reveals Their Potential in Enhancing Drought and Salt Stress Tolerance in Gossypium Hirsutum

Background: Cotton crop is universally considered as protein and edible oil source besides the major contributor of natural fiber and is grown all around the globe. Unpredicted environmental stresses are becoming a significant threat to sustainable cotton production, ultimately leading to a substantial irreversible economic loss. Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), generally considered essential for recognizing environmental stresses through phosphorylating downstream signal pathways.Results: In the current study, we have identified 74 MAPK genes across cotton, 41 from G. hirsutum, 19 from G. raimondii, whereas 14 have been identified through G. arboreum. The MAPK gene-proteins have been further interrogated to determine their physicochemical characteristics and other essential features. In this perspective, characterization, phylogenetic relationship, chromosomal mapping, gene motif, cis-regulatory element, and subcellular localization were carried out. Based on phylogenetic analysis, the MAPK family in cotton is usually categorized as A, B, C, D, and E clades. Seven GHMAPK genes (GH_A07G1527, GH_D02G1138, GH_D03G0121, GH_D03G1517, GH_D05G1003, GH_D11G0040, and GH_D12G2528) were selected, and specific tissue expression and profiling were performed across drought and salt stress.Conclusions : RNA sequence and qPCR results represented genes as differentially expressed across both vegetative and reproductive plant parts. Similarly, the qPCR analysis showed that six genes had been upregulated substantially through drought treatment while all the genes were upregulated across salt treatment.