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Background and aims <p>The phosphatidylethanolamine-binding protein (PEBP) gene family is a pivotal regulator of plant growth, development, photoperiod response, and abiotic stress adaptation. Although its anti-stress functions are well-documented in higher plants, the specific roles of PEBP members in <i>Medicago</i> remain unverified experimentally.</p> Methods <p>This study systematically identified <i>PEBP</i> gene family members in two <i>Medicago</i> species through whole‑genome analysis and characterized their abiotic stress responses. Expression profiles under drought and cold stresses were conducted using transcriptomics and RT‑qPCR. Subcellular localization of MsPEBP11 and MtPEBP3 was determined via GFP fusion and confocal microscopy in plant protoplasts. Their stress‑protective roles were preliminarily verified through prokaryotic expression and stress‑tolerance assays. Finally, transgenic plants overexpressing MsPEBP11 were generated, and stress‑related physiological indicators were measured to elucidate the underlying cellular resistance mechanism.</p> Results <p>A total of 24 <i>PEBP</i> genes (11 in <i>M. sativa</i>, 13 in <i>M. truncatula</i>) were identified, unevenly distributed across eight chromosomes. Family expansion was driven primarily by tandem and segmental duplication. Promoter analysis revealed enrichment of stress-related <i>cis</i>-elements, and most members responded significantly to drought and cold. The cytoplasm-localized MsPEBP11 and MtPEBP3 showed the strongest stress responsiveness. Notably, heterologous expression of MsPEBP11 enhanced tolerance to drought and extreme temperature in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems by upregulating antioxidant enzyme activities.</p> Conclusion <p>This systematic characterization provides a molecular foundation for elucidating the mechanistic basis of MsPEBP11-mediated stress resistance, and identifies promising genetic targets for improving stress resilience in <i>M. sativa</i> and <i>M. truncatula</i> through molecular breeding strategies.</p>

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Comparative analysis of the PEBP gene family in two Medicago species, focusing on function of MsPEBP11 and MtPEBP3 in response to drought and cold stresses

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年3月25日

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  • Yanan Su,
  • Yaru Zhao,
  • Xin Liu,
  • Xiaoyu Wang

摘要

Background and aims

The phosphatidylethanolamine-binding protein (PEBP) gene family is a pivotal regulator of plant growth, development, photoperiod response, and abiotic stress adaptation. Although its anti-stress functions are well-documented in higher plants, the specific roles of PEBP members in Medicago remain unverified experimentally.

Methods

This study systematically identified PEBP gene family members in two Medicago species through whole‑genome analysis and characterized their abiotic stress responses. Expression profiles under drought and cold stresses were conducted using transcriptomics and RT‑qPCR. Subcellular localization of MsPEBP11 and MtPEBP3 was determined via GFP fusion and confocal microscopy in plant protoplasts. Their stress‑protective roles were preliminarily verified through prokaryotic expression and stress‑tolerance assays. Finally, transgenic plants overexpressing MsPEBP11 were generated, and stress‑related physiological indicators were measured to elucidate the underlying cellular resistance mechanism.

Results

A total of 24 PEBP genes (11 in M. sativa, 13 in M. truncatula) were identified, unevenly distributed across eight chromosomes. Family expansion was driven primarily by tandem and segmental duplication. Promoter analysis revealed enrichment of stress-related cis-elements, and most members responded significantly to drought and cold. The cytoplasm-localized MsPEBP11 and MtPEBP3 showed the strongest stress responsiveness. Notably, heterologous expression of MsPEBP11 enhanced tolerance to drought and extreme temperature in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems by upregulating antioxidant enzyme activities.

Conclusion

This systematic characterization provides a molecular foundation for elucidating the mechanistic basis of MsPEBP11-mediated stress resistance, and identifies promising genetic targets for improving stress resilience in M. sativa and M. truncatula through molecular breeding strategies.