Identification and expression of the gene family in response to abiotic stress in common bean ( L.).

Drought-induced 19 (Di19) protein plays critical biological functions in response to adversity as well as in plant growth and development. Exploring the role and mechanism of in abiotic stress responses is of great significance for improving plant tolerance. In this study, six genes were identified in the common bean ( L.), which were mainly derived from segmental duplications. These genes share conserved exon/intron structures and were classified into three subfamilies based on their phylogenetic relationships. The composition and arrangement of conserved motifs were consistent with their phylogenetic relationships. Many hormone- and stress-responsive elements were distributed in the promoters region of genes. Variations in histidine residues in the Cys2/His2 (C2H2) zinc-finger domains resulted in an atypical tertiary structure of PvDi19-5. Gene expression analysis showed rapid induction of in roots by 10% PEG treatment, and in leaves by 20% PEG treatment, respectively. Most exhibited insensitivity to saline-alkali stress, except for , which was notably induced during later stages of treatment. The most common bean genes were inhibited or not regulated by cadmium stress, but the expression of in roots was significantly upregulated when subjected to lower concentrations of cadmium (5 mmol). Moreover, exhibited greater sensitivity to severe cold stress (6°C). These findings enhance our understanding of the role of in common bean abiotic stress responses and provide a basis for future genetic enhancements in common bean stress tolerance.