Genome-wide analysis of the PYL gene family and identification of PYL genes that respond to cold stress in Triticum boeoticum

Abscisic acid (ABA) is a key plant hormone that regulates plant growth and stress responses. Pyrabactin resistance 1-like (PYR/PYL) proteins are ABA receptors involved in the initial steps of ABA signaling. Triticum boeoticum is an important germplasm resource for wheat. In this study, we identified 15 PYL genes from wild emmer wheat and found that they were distributed across five chromosomes. Based on phylogenetic analysis, we classified these genes into three subfamilies. Members of each subfamily have similar gene structures and contain a common motif. Furthermore, we found that their promoters have multiple hormone-related elements. We found 7, 33, and 49 collinear gene pairs in three different ploidy wheat species (T. urartu, T. turgidum and T. aestivum), indicating that PYL genes are relatively conserved during evolution. Additionally, interaction networks and miRNA targets were predicted, revealing interactions between PYL proteins and key components of the abscisic acid signaling network. miR9666b-3p may serve as a central factor in PYL involvement in the abscisic acid network. Through RNA-seq analysis and qPCR validation, four genes were found to potentially play a role in cold stress. These findings lay the groundwork for further research on PYL genes in T.boeoticum.