Genome-Wide Studies of Family Members in Soybean () and Their Responses under Abiotic Stresses.

Formins or formin homology 2 (FH2) proteins, evolutionarily conserved multi-domain proteins in eukaryotes, serve as pivotal actin organizers, orchestrating the structure and dynamics of the actin cytoskeleton. However, a comprehensive investigation into the formin family and their plausible involvement in abiotic stress remains undocumented in soybean (). In the current study, 34 soybean ()family members were discerned, their genomic distribution spanning the twenty chromosomes in a non-uniform pattern. Evolutionary analysis of the gene family across plant species delineated five discernible groups (Group I to V) and displayed a closer evolutionary relationship within , , and . Analysis of the gene structure of unveiled variable sequence lengths and substantial diversity in conserved motifs. Structural prediction in the promoter regions of gene suggested a large set of cis-acting elements associated with hormone signaling, plant growth and development, and stress responses. The investigation of the syntenic relationship revealed a greater convergence of genes with dicots, indicating a close evolutionary affinity. Transcriptome data unveiled distinctive expression patterns of several genes across diverse plant tissues and developmental stages, underscoring a spatiotemporal regulatory framework governing the transcriptional dynamics of gene. Gene expression and qRT-PCR analysis identified many genes with a dynamic pattern in response to abiotic stresses, revealing their potential roles in regulating plant stress adaptation. Additionally, protein interaction analysis highlighted an intricate web of interactions among diverse GmFH proteins. These findings collectively underscore a novel biological function of GmFH proteins in facilitating stress adaptation in soybeans.