Title : Genome-wide identification and comparative analysis of LEA genes in Solanaceae crops
Abstract:
Climate change has significantly increased the need to develop crops with improved tolerance to abiotic stresses such as drought, salinity, and temperature fluctuations. Late Embryogenesis Abundant (LEA) proteins are a group of highly hydrophilic stress-associated proteins known to protect cellular structures during dehydration and osmotic stress. In the present study, we performed a comparative genomic analysis of the LEA gene family across important Solanaceae crops including tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), potato (Solanum tuberosum), brinjal (Solanum melongena), tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum), petunia (Petunia hybrida), and capsicum (Capsicum annuum). LEA genes were identified from publicly available genomic databases and validated through conserved domain and motif analysis. Phylogenetic analysis with Arabidopsis thaliana LEA proteins enabled classification of the genes into distinct subfamilies and revealed their evolutionary relationships. Structural analysis based on exon–intron organization and conserved motifs confirmed characteristic LEA domains and highlighted structural diversity within the family. Orthologous relationships among Solanaceae species further revealed both conservation and diversification of LEA genes. Additionally, selected tomato LEA genes were analyzed using qPCR across different developmental stages, which showed differential expression patterns indicating their potential role in plant development and stress adaptation. Overall, this study provides insights into the diversity and functional relevance of LEA genes and identifies promising candidates for future crop improvement strategies targeting climate resilience.
