Bioinformatics analysis of LEA2 and WOX genes in grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.)

Grape (Vitis vinifera L.) is an important fruit species cultivated worldwide. Abiotic stress factors such as drought and salinity have the potential to adversely affect both yield and berry quality. The LEA gene family is associated with stress tolerance, and the manipulation of these genes could enhance stress tolerance in grapes. WOX genes have been identified as key regulators of somatic embryogenesis in some plants. The aim of this study is to identify LEA2 and WOX genes in grapes through bioinformatic analyses and investigate their potential functions under abiotic stress conditions. The findings reveal that 36 genes belonging to LEA2 and 31 genes belonging to WOX were identified. Phylogenetic trees indicate that LEA2 proteins are divided into three main clades. Similarly, WOX is also divided into three main clades in the phylogenetic tree. LEA2 genes are predominantly composed of exons. The exon-intron regions of WOX, which show similarity to the phylogenetic tree, also match the motif patterns. LEA2 proteins were observed in six localizations, with the majority (21) found in the cell membrane. In the case of WOX, they were observed in three localizations, with the majority (29) located in the nucleus. It was determined that 34 different grape LEA2 genes are targeted by 151 different miRNAs, and 31 different grape WOX genes are targeted by 205 different miRNAs. It was also revealed that LEA2 and WOX genes possess potential cis-regulatory elements. As a result, LEA2 and WOX proteins may be effective in developing stress-resistant plants. In vivo studies should be conducted to efficiently cultivate stress-resistant plants using LEA2 and WOX genes. Moreover, this study provides a basis for further investigation into the specific functions of LEA2 and WOX genes in terms of abiotic stress tolerance.