Genome-Wide Identification of the Class III Peroxidase Gene Family in Ginger and Expression Analysis under High Temperature and Intense Light Stress

Abstract

Ginger, valued for its medicinal properties and economic significance, is vulnerable to environmental stressors such as intense light and high temperatures, which can hinder its growth and development. Class III peroxidases (PRXs) are plant-specific oxidoreductases essential for plant development, growth, and stress responses. Despite their importance, there is limited information available on the function of the class III peroxidase gene family in ginger (ZoPRX). In this study, 103 ZoPRX members within the ginger genome were identified, unevenly distributed across 11 chromosomes. The identified ZoPRX members were categorized into five subfamilies based on gene structures, protein motifs, and phylogenetic analysis. Gene duplication analysis revealed that ZoPRX has primarily undergone segmental duplication. Interspecies homology analysis between ginger and Arabidopsis thaliana, Oryza sativa, and Musa acuminata suggested most ZoPRXs in ginger originated after the divergence of dicotyledon and monocotyledon. Analysis of promoter cis-acting elements identified defense and stress response elements in 39 genes and hormone response elements in 95 genes, indicating their potential roles in responding to environmental stresses. Quantitative Real-Time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis confirmed that the majority of ZoPRX members are responsive to high temperature and intense light stress. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the PRX family in ginger, thereby laying the groundwork for future investigations into the functional role of ZoPRX genes under high-temperature and intense light-stress conditions.