Genome-wide identification, characterization, and expression analysis of the Chalcone Synthase gene family in Oryza sativa under Abiotic Stresses

Chalcone synthase (CHS) is the pivotal enzyme that catalyzes the first committed step of the phenylpropanoid pathway leading to flavonoids. Herein, we identified twenty-seven OsCHS genes from the rice genome database. The bioinformatics analysis, including conserved motif, domain, interactive proteins, gene ontology (GO), target micro RNAs (miRNA) prediction, and the OsCHS physiochemical properties, highlight the key aspects of OsCHS genes in Oryza sativa L. The OsCHS proteins' phylogeny was further clustered into 4 sub-groups (Group I- Group IV) based on the structural similarities and functional diversities. The GO analysis of OsCHS proteins showed they are highly stress-responsive (biotic/abiotic) and involved in various growth and developmental processes. The microarray expression analysis showed transcription in twelve rice tissues, and the differential expression pattern of OsCHS genes revealed their possible involvement against salinity and drought. The higher expression of OsCHS15 in the OsWRKY65-OE line indicates its potential in hormonal-mediated stress response. The predicted miRNA that includes miR2260, miR167, miR11337, and miR2232families further the engagement of OsCHS genes in the posttranslational regulation of rice growth and stress-responsive. Owing to the above-mentioned outcomes, we speculate that OsCHS genes in the O. sativa genome play an essential role not only in growth and development but also in fine-tuning the immune responses to various environmental stresses and provide major indications for further functional studies.