Abstract
Pathogen-related (PR) proteins are an integral part of plants' defense mechanisms against various types of biotic and abiotic stresses. A little is known about the importance of these PR proteins in potato defense mechanisms. In the current study, a total of 22 pathogenesis-related 1 genes were identified in the potato genome. All identified proteins possessed the CAP superfamily domain with some other motifs. The cis-acting elements analysis identified several stress-responsive elements, including MYB, ABRE, and MeJRE. The gene duplication events demonstrated purifying and positive selection pressure. Expression profiling showed high transcripts level in root compared to other tissues; however, some genes have tissue-specific expression. Furthermore, the PR-1-5 gene is transcriptionally induced under Phytophthora infestans stress and hormonal (ABA and IAA) treatments. The Real-Time qPCR analysis also validated the RNA-seq data results of genes with maximum expression in roots compared to leaves and stems. The current study results provided basic data for functional characterization and can also use as a reference study for other important crops.
•In the current study, a total of 22 PR-1 genes were identified in the potato genome.•Total 13 StPR-1 genes showed upregulation in response to P. infestans infection.•The higher expression of StPR-1-5 gene revealed its significant role against P. infestans in the potato.•Comparative genomics analysis for 22 PR-1 genes were indicated for understanding response to P. infestans stress in plant.