Comprehensive molecular genetic characterization of the ICE۱ gene in Arum korolkowii and functional insights into its encoded protein

A novel gene, AkICE۱, and the protein it encodes were molecularly and genetically characterized from Arum korolkowii, a rare endemic species listed in Kazakhstan's Red Book. This plant faces increasing threats from environmental stress, particularly cold stress, exacerbated by climate change. Understanding the genetic mechanisms that underlie cold stress tolerance in such endemic species is critical for conservation and biodiversity preservation. The complete sequence of the AkICE۱ gene (۲۸۴۷ bp) was obtained and deposited in GenBank (accession number OR۷۳۶۱۴۳). The gene comprises three exons and two introns, encoding a protein of ۵۴۵ amino acids. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that AkICE۱ shares conserved domains with other ICE۱ proteins, such as the MYC-like basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) domain, a serine-rich region (S-rich), and a zipper region (ZIP), all of which are typical of cold stress-related transcription factors. The protein also contains a nuclear localization signal (NLS), suggesting its role in the nucleus as a transcription factor. Additionally, the presence of a sumoylation site, which is crucial for the activation and stability of ICE۱ proteins, was identified in AkICE۱, indicating that its activity may be regulated by SUMO E۳ ligase. The structural analysis predicted ۸ alpha helices, ۳ beta turns, and ۱۱ coils in the protein, with phosphorylation sites for serine, threonine, and tyrosine residues, further supporting its involvement in cold stress regulation. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that AkICE۱ shares the highest sequence similarity with the ICE۱ gene of Colocasia esculenta, highlighting its functional conservation within the Aroid family. These findings establish AkICE۱ as a novel ICE۱-like transcription factor that likely plays a crucial role in cold stress adaptation in A. korolkowii. The study contributes to understanding the molecular mechanisms of cold stress regulation in endemic species, which can aid in developing conservation strategies and breeding programs to improve the resilience of A. korolkowii and other endemic plants to environmental stresses.

کلیدواژه ها:

AkICE۱ ، Cold stress ، Molecular characterization ، Endemic species ، Transcription factor