Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of the kinesin gene superfamily suggests roles in response to abiotic stress and fertility of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).

Background: Kinesin is a motor for microtubule-based motility. It plays a vital role in plant growth and development. The kinesin superfamily members are known mainly from Arabidopsis. Little research about kinesin superfamily has been conducted on hexploid wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). The functions of kinesins in wheat growth and development, regulation of cell division and response to stress are still unclear.

Results: In this study, we identified 155 kinesin (TaKIN) genes in wheat, which were divided into 10 families and some orphan genes via phylogenetic analysis. Less gene structural differences showed that TaKIN genes had redundant functions. The conserved domains of different family members were different, and some families might have some special functional domains. We found many cis-acting elements related to hormones (GA, Auxin, SA, MeJA), cell cycle and cell division in homeopathic elements of the TaKIN genes. Collinearity analysis showed that TaKIN genes were more conservative in monocotyledons. Expression level in different tissues at different stages suggested that TaKIN family may function during the whole growth and development process in wheat. It was worth noting there were quite different at gene expression level between physiological and heritable male sterile lines during the different stages of pollen development. The differential expression patterns of some TaKIN genes between male sterile line and maintainer line might be related to wheat male sterility. Furthermore, we also found TaKIN genes were involved in response to plant hormones and abiotic stress by stress assays.

Conclusions: The result is useful for further exploration of the molecular mechanism of kinesin genes in wheat male sterility and provides important information concerning response to plant hormones and abiotic stress caused by kinesin genes.