Genome-Wide Analysis and Expression Profiles of AhCOLs Family in Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

TL;DR

This study identifies and analyzes the AhCOL gene family in peanut, revealing their roles in growth, stress responses, and flower development.

Contribution

The study provides the first comprehensive analysis of the AhCOL gene family in peanut, including their classification, conserved domains, and expression patterns.

Findings

Eighteen AhCOL genes were identified in peanut, classified into three subfamilies with conserved B-box and CCT domains.

AhCOL genes like AhCOL4, AhCOL8, AhCOL13, and AhCOL14 are upregulated under light and mechanical stress, suggesting roles in pod development.

AhCOL1 interacts with AhNF-YC1, and AhCOL3 interacts with AhNF-YC1 and AhCOP1, indicating potential regulatory networks.

Abstract

The CONSTANS-like (COL) gene family plays critical roles in plant growth, development, stress responses, and light signal transduction. However, its functions in peanut (Arachis hypogaea) remain poorly understood. In this study, we identified 18 AhCOL genes in the peanut genome, all localized in the nucleus. Phylogenetic analysis classified these genes into three subfamilies, with Group I containing eight members and Groups II and III each comprising five. Conserved domain analysis revealed that all AhCOL proteins possess at least one B-box and one CCT domain. Most of the AhCOL members in peanuts contain a large number of ABA and MeJA elements. Additionally, some members have low-temperature response elements, anaerobic induction, circadian control, and defense stress elements. Expression profiling indicated that most AhCOL genes are abundantly expressed in leaves, flowers, and fruit needles. Notably, genes such as AhCOL4, AhCOL8, AhCOL13, and AhCOL14 were upregulated under light induction and mechanical stress, highlighting their involvement in pod development. AhCOL1 interacts with AhNF-YC1, while AhCOL3 interacts with both AhNF-YC1 and AhCOP1 proteins. This study identifies key AhCOL genes implicated in light and mechanical stress responses, offering insights into their potential roles in peanut flowering and abiotic stress tolerance.

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