Genome-Wide Analysis of the <i>MsRCI2</i> Gene Family in <i>Medicago sativa</i> and Functional Characterization of <i>MsRCI2B</i> in Salt Tolerance.

ABSTRACT: The Rare Cold-Inducible 2 (RCI2) gene encodes a conserved hydrophobic peptide that plays a crucial role in ion homeostasis, membrane stability, and responses to abiotic stress. In this study, six members of the MsRCI2 gene family were identified in Medicago sativa L., all of which contain highly conserved PMP₃ domains. Comparative collinearity analysis revealed syntenic relationships between M. sativa and M. truncatula, with each gene displaying distinct expression profiles under various stress conditions. Among them, MsRCI2B was significantly upregulated in response to salt stress. Alfalfa plants overexpressing MsRCI2B exhibited enhanced salt tolerance, as evidenced by increased antioxidant enzyme activities and reduced accumulat

SUBMITTER: Qiao H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12072170 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature