Monovalent cation/proton antiporters (CPAs) in moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis): genome-wide identification, molecular evolutionary and functional description
Abstract Background: Plant monovalent cation/proton enantiomer (CPA) family is a type of transmembrane transporters that plays an important role in resistance to plant abiotic stresses such as salt, drought and osmotic stress. Results: In this study, 32 CPA family members were firstly identified from moso bamboo, and divided into two subfamilies, including 8 in CPA1 and 24 in CPA2. Members of the same group shared similar structures and subcellular localization predictions. Gene duplication analysis found that the expansion of the CPA genes in moso bamboo may depend on whole genome duplication (WGD) event approximately 11.18 million years ago (MYA). Gene Ontology (GO) analysis revealed that PheCPA proteins are ion transporter localized on the membrane, and the post-translational modifications (PTMs) prediction indicated there are many PTMs sites may be involved in regulating CPA protein functions. Promoter analysis revealed various cis-acting elements related to abiotic and biotic stresses, plant growth and development and phytohormone responses. The significant change of expression levels of eight PheNHXs, which belong to CPA1, under the treatment of ABA, NaCl and PEG, suggesting that they may have played an important role in moso bamboo response to these abiotic stresses. Additionally, PPI prediction reveals potential interaction proteins of PheNHX subfamily members. Conclusions: The results suggested that the CPA family may plays an important role in plant responses to stress conditions. The comprehensive identification and analysis of PheCPAs indicated that PheCPAs, particularly those genes encoding PheNHXs, might serve as valuable genetic resources for the improvement of moso bamboo growth and resistance to abiotic stress.