Abstract

Mechanosensitive (MS) ion channels are transmembrane proteins that open and close in response to mechanical forces produced by osmotic pressure, sound, touch and gravity. In plants, MS have an important role in different biological processes like gravity detection, maintenance of plastid shape and size, lateral root emergence, growth of pollen tube, and plant-pathogen interactions. In this study, homologous mechanosensitive channel of small conductance (MscS)-like gene family in common bean was identified. Nine Phaseolus vulgaris MscS-like (PvMSL) genes were found to be distributed on five chromosomes. A complete overview of PvMSL genes in common bean is presented, including gene structures, chromosome locations, phylogeny, protein motifs and expression pattern. Subcellular localization predictions of PvMSL family revealed their location to plasma and chloroplast membrane. Phylogenetic analysis of nine PvMSL proteins resulted in two main classes. The predicted gene structure, conserved motif, domain and presence of transmembrane regions in each PvMSL strongly supported their identity as members of MscS-like gene family.  Four duplicate events of PvMSL genes were discovered in P. vulgaris chromosomes, and tandem and segmental duplication may cause the expansion of PvMSL genes. Furthermore, PvMSL genes displayed differential expression patterns in tissues and organs. This is the first step towards genome-wide analyses of MSL genes in common bean. Thus, the data obtained in this study provide resources to select candidate genes for future functional analyses that will help understand plant growth, development, and function of MSL gene family in P. vulgaris.

Key words: Mechanosensitive, phylogenetic analysis, gene duplication, plant, in silico.