Systematic analysis of Prx genes in the Brachypodium genus and their expression pattern under abiotic constraints

Abstract

Abstract Peroxiredoxins (Prx) are ubiquitous peroxidases required for the removal of excess free radicals produced under stress conditions. Peroxiredoxin genes (Prx) in the Brachypodium genus were identified using bioinformatics tools and their expression profiles were determined under abiotic stress using RT‐qPCR. The promoter regions of Prx genes contain several cis‐acting elements related to stress response. In silico expression analysis showed that B. distachyon Prx genes (BdPrx) are tissue specific. RT‐qPCR analysis revealed their differential expression when exposed to salt or PEG‐induced dehydration stress. In addition, the upregulation of BdPrx genes was accompanied by accumulation of H2O2. Exogenous application of H2O2 induced expression of almost all BdPrx genes. The identified molecular interaction network indicated that Prx proteins may contribute to abiotic stress tolerance by regulating key enzymes involved in lignin biosynthesis. Overall, our findings suggest the potential role of Prx genes in abiotic stress tolerance and lay the foundation for future functional analyses aiming to engineer genetically improved cereal lines.