Functional characterization of late embryogenesis abundant genes and promoters in pearl millet ( <scp> <i>Pennisetum glaucum</i> </scp> L.) for abiotic stress tolerance

Late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) genes display distinct functions in response to abiotic stresses plants. In pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.), a total of 21 PgLEA were identified and classified into six groups including LEA1, LEA2, LEA3, LEA5, LEA7, dehydrins (DHN). Open reading frames (ORFs) PgLEAs range from 291 bp (PgLEA1-1) 945 (PgLEA2-11) distributed randomly among the seven chromosomes. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that all proteins are closely related sorghum LEA proteins. The found be expressed differentially under high progressive vapor pressure deficit (VPD), PgLEA7 was significantly VPD selected for functional validation. silico promoter regions stress-specific cis-acting elements such as ABRE, CCAAT, MYBS, LTRE. Based on type motifs, PgLEAPC (758 bp), its deletion 1 (PgLpd1, 349 bp) 2 (PgLpd2, 125 cloned plant expression vector pMDC164 having promoter-less uidA gene. All three vectors introduced tobacco through Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation obtain T1 T2 generations transgenic gene, tissue-specific observed mature stems, roots seedlings PgLpd1 carrying transgenics only. While plants displayed higher stem root tissues salt, drought, heat, cold stresses, very low or no PgLpd2 tested stress conditions. results this study indicate complete plays role developing tolerance