# Gene family of Catharanthus roseus receptor-like kinase 1-like in Sorghum bicolor: identification, evolution, function, and stress response

## TL;DR

This study identifies and analyzes the CrRLK1L gene family in sorghum, revealing their roles in root development and stress tolerance.

## Contribution

The study provides a comprehensive analysis of the SbCrRLK1L gene family in Sorghum bicolor, including their evolution, structure, and stress response.

## Key findings

- 28 SbCrRLK1L genes were identified and grouped into four subgroups with conserved features.
- Multiple duplication events contributed to the expansion of the SbCrRLK1L gene family.
- Key SbCrRLK1L genes show strong transcriptional responses to drought and salt stress.

## Abstract

The CrRLK1L family represents an important subgroup of plant receptor-like kinases (RLKs) that govern growth, signal transduction, reproduction, and stress adaptation.

In this study, we performed genome-wide identification, phylogenetic reconstruction, gene structure and motif analysis, evolutionary duplication analysis, promoter cis-element prediction, and tissue- and stress-specific expression profiling of SbCrRLK1L genes.

A total of 28 SbCrRLK1L genes were identified and clustered into four well-supported subgroups with conserved structural features. Multiple duplication events, including WGD, TD, PD, DSD, and TRD, contributed to the expansion of this gene family. Promoter analysis revealed abundant cis-elements associated with hormonal regulation, stress responses, and development. Expression analysis showed that SbCrRLK1L1/8/17/24/25/26 were predominantly expressed in roots, while SbCrRLK1L1/8/17/24/25 were significantly regulated by drought and salt stress.

The expression of specific SbCrRLK1L genes suggests their potential roles in root development. The strong transcriptional responsiveness to abiotic stress indicates that key SbCrRLK1L members may act as critical regulators in sorghum stress tolerance. Collectively, our findings provide a foundation for dissecting the functions of CrRLK1L genes in sorghum development and stress adaptation.