Identification and Characterization of SRS Genes in Phaseolus vulgaris Genome and Their Responses Under Salt Stress

SHI-Related Sequence (SRS) transcription factors comprise a protein family with important roles in growth and development. However, the genome-wide study of the SRS protein family has not yet been carried out in the common bean. For this reason, the SRS family has been characterized in depth at both gene and protein levels and several bioinformatics methods have been used. As a result, 10 SRS genes have been identified and their proteins have been phylogenetically categorized into three major groups within the common bean. By investigating duplications that play a major role in the development of gene families, 19 duplication events have been identified in the SRS family (18 segmental and 1 tandem). In addition, using available RNAseq data, comparative expression analysis of Pvul-SRS genes was performed and expression changes in Pvul-SRS-1, 2, 4, 6, 7, and 10 genes were observed under both salt and drought stress. Five Pvul-SRS genes were selected based on RNAseq data (Pvul-SRS-1, 2, 4, 6, and 10) and screened with RT-qPCR in two common bean cultivars (Yakutiye ‘salt-resistant’ and Zulbiye ‘salt-susceptible’ cv.). These genes also showed different levels of expression between two common bean cultivars under salt stress conditions and this may explain the responses of Pvul-SRS genes against abiotic stress. In summary, this work is the first study in which in silico identification and characterization of Pvul-SRS genes have been examined at gene expression level. The results could therefore provide the basis for future studies of functional characterization of Pvul-SRS genes.