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Identification and Analysis of Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) Family Genes in Oat (Avena sativa) and Their Potential Roles in Abiotic Stress Responses

Mouna Ghorbel, Ikram Zribi, Ahmed Alghamdi , Khalil Mseddi , Faical Brini

Abstract

Superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzymes form the first line of plant protection against reactive oxygen species (ROSs) accumulation in cells. In the present study, we recognized 14 AvSOD genes in the hexaploid oat genome, including 9 AvCSDs, 3 AvFSDs, and 2 AvMSDs. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that AvSOD genes from oat and different other monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous plant species were clustered into two different groups based on the metallic binding domain.  The predicted 3D protein structures revealed comparable conserved AvSOD protein configuration within groups. Interestingly, different hormonal and light-responsive cis-elements were identified in the promoters of AvSOD  genes. Gene ontology annotation results validate the AvSODs role such as response to contrasting stress stimuli (ozone, light intensity, UV-B, metallic stress…), metal-ion binding activities, cellular oxidant detoxification activity, and different other cellular components. The RT-qPCR expression profiling revealed that twelve genes (AvCSD1, AvCSD2,  AvCSD3, AvCSD4, AvCSD5,  AvCSD6, AvCSD7, AvFSD1, AvFSD2, AvFSD3, AvMSD1 and AvMSD2) were remarkably up-regulated in response to different hormones (ABA and SA) and/or abiotic stress (salinity, cold, and drought) treatments.  The data provided in this work enlarging our knowledge of SOD genes in plants and providing basic informations for advanced functional analyses of this antioxidant gene family in oat.

FP25018  Accepted 28 May 2025

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