Genome-Wide Identification, Characterization, and Expression Analysis of Four Subgroup Members of the GH13 Family in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

The glycoside hydrolase 13 (GH13) family is crucial for catalyzing alpha-glucoside linkages, and plays a key role in plant growth, development, and stress responses. Despite its significance, its role in plants remains understudied. This study targeted four GH13 subgroups in wheat, identifying 66 GH13 members from the latest wheat database (IWGSC RefSeq v2.1), including 36 alpha-amylase (AMY) members, 18 1,4-alpha-glucan-branching enzyme (SBE) members, 9 isoamylase (ISA) members, and 3 pullulanase (PU) members. Chromosomal distribution reveals a concentration of wheat group 7 chromosomes. Phylogenetic analysis underscores significant evolutionary distance variations among the subgroups, with distinct molecular structures. Replication events shaped subgroup evolution, particularly in regard to AMY members. Subcellular localization indicates AMY member predominance in extracellular and chloroplast regions, while others localize solely in chloroplasts, confirmed by the heterologous expression of TaSEB16 and TaAMY1 in tobacco. Moreover, 3D structural analysis shows the consistency of GH13 across species. Promoter cis-acting elements are suggested to be involved in growth, stress tolerance, and starch metabolism signaling. The RNA-seq data revealed TaGH13 expression changes under drought and submergence stress, and significant expression variation was observed between strong and weak gluten varieties during seed germination using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), correlating with seed starch content. These findings demonstrate the pivotal role of GH13 family gene expression in wheat germination, concerning variety preference and environmental stress. Overall, this study advances the understanding of wheat GH13 subgroups, laying the groundwork for further functional studies.