Genome wide characterization and expression analysis of gene family in wheat unravels their roles in development and stress-specific responses.

() genes encode a subfamily of receptor-like kinases (RLK) that regulate diverse processes during plant growth, development, and stress responses. The first CrRLK1L was identified from the , commonly known as Madagascar periwinkle. Subsequently, CrRLK1L gene families have been characterized in many plants. The genome of encodes 15 genes with 43 paralogous copies, with three homeologs each, except for D and A, which are absent. Chromosomal localization analysis revealed a markedly uneven distribution of genes across seven different chromosomes, with chromosome 4 housing the highest number of genes, while chromosome 6 lacked any genes. Tissue-specific gene expression analysis revealed distinct expression patterns among the gene family members, with certain members exhibiting increased expression in reproductive tissues. Gene expression analysis in response to various abiotic and biotic stress conditions unveiled differential regulation of gene family members. Cold stress induces CrRLK1Ls and while downregulating and . Drought stress upregulates , contrasting with the downregulation of . and were highly induced in response to 1 hr of heat, and combined drought and heat stress, whereas is downregulated. Similarly, in response to NaCl stress, only homeologs were induced. and inoculation induces homeologs of and . The analysis of -acting elements in the promoter regions identified elements crucial for plant growth and developmental processes. This comprehensive genome-wide analysis and expression study provides valuable insights into the essential functions of CrRLK1L members in wheat.