Genome-Wide Identification and Characterization of the GmSnRK2 Family in Soybean

Abstract

Sucrose non-fermenting-1 (SNF1)-related protein kinase 2s (SnRK2s) that were reported to be involved in the transduction of abscisic acid (ABA) signaling, play important roles in response to biotic and abiotic stresses in plants. Compared to the systemic investigation of <i>SnRK2s</i> in <i>Arabidopsis</i><i>thaliana</i> and <i>Oryza sativa</i>, little is known regarding <i>SnRK2s</i> in soybean, which is one of the most important oil and protein crops. In the present study, we performed genome-wide identification and characterization of <i>GmSnRK2s</i> in soybean. In summary, 22 <i>GmSnRK2s</i> were identified and clustered into four groups. Phylogenetic analysis indicated the expansion of <i>SnRK2</i> gene family during the evolution of soybean. Various <i>cis</i>-acting elements such as ABA Response Elements (ABREs) were identified and analyzed in the promoter regions of <i>GmSnRK2s</i>. The results of RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) data for different soybean tissues showed that <i>GmSnRK2s</i> exhibited spatio-temporally specific expression patterns during soybean growth and development. Certain <i>GmSnRK2s</i> could respond to the treatments including salinity, ABA and strigolactones. Our results provide a foundation for the further elucidation of the function of <i>GmSnRK2</i> genes in soybean.