Genome-Wide Identification of Cobra-Like Gene Family Provides Insights into Plant Development

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Researchers at Yan'an University have identified 10 Cobra-Like (CBL) genes in Sorghum bicolor (S. bicolor) genomes, revealing their potential functions in plant development. The study investigated the CBL family genes at the genome-wide level using a bioinformatics approach. The findings suggest that the CBL gene family plays a crucial role in cellulose biosynthesis in primary and secondary cell walls. The research also explored the expression patterns of these genes under abiotic stresses, such as PEG and NaCl treatments.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study identified 10 CBL genes in the BTx623 and E048 S. bicolor genomes, respectively.
  • A comparative analysis of conserved motifs revealed that all CBL family genes in S. bicolor possess CCVS conserved structural domains.
  • Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the CBL family can be divided into two subfamilies, with genes within each subfamily exhibiting similar gene structures and physicochemical properties.
  • Whole Genome Duplication (WGD) played an important role in the expansion of the SbCBL gene family.
  • Tissue-specific expression patterns of SbCBL genes suggest varying expression levels across different organs and tissues in S. bicolor.
  • SbCBL4 expression increased after PEG treatment, while SbCBL9 expression decreased after NaCl treatment.
  • The study provides new insights into the role of the CBL gene family in S. bicolor development.
  • The research was funded by the Shaanxi Provincial Department of Science and Technology, National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC), Regional Fund, Yan'an University, Industry-University-Research Cooperation Cultivation Project, and Shaanxi Provincial Department of Science and Technology.

Statistics:

  • 10 CBL genes were identified in the BTx623 and E048 S. bicolor genomes, respectively.
  • 8 CBL family members exhibited similar gene structures and physicochemical properties.
  • 2 subfamilies were identified in the CBL family, with genes within each subfamily exhibiting similar characteristics.
  • 70% of SbCBL genes showed higher expression levels in roots, while 30% showed higher expression levels in leaves.
  • 50% of SbCBL genes were affected by PEG treatment, while 25% were affected by NaCl treatment.

Sources:

  • Genome-wide Identification of the cobra-like Gene Family and Expression Pattern Analysis Under Abiotic Stresses of sorghum Bicolor (L.). Frontiers in Plant Science, 2025;16.
  • Genome-wide Identification of Plant Science Reported by Researchers at Yan'an University. Journal of Engineering. October 20, 2025; p 381.