Comprehensive Identification and Expression Analysis of the Multidrug and Toxic Compound Extrusion (MATE) Gene Family in Brachypodium distachyon

The Multidrug and Toxic Compound Extrusion (MATE) proteins serve as pivotal transporters responsible for the extrusion of metabolites, thereby playing a significant role in both plant development and the detoxification of toxins. The <i>MATE</i> gene family within the <i>Brachypodium distachyon</i>, which is an important model organism of the Poaceae family, remains largely unexplored. Here, a comprehensive identification and analysis of <i>MATE</i> genes that complement <i>B. distachyon</i> were conducted. The <i>BdMATE</i> genes were systematically categorized into five distinct groups, predicated on an assessment of their phylogenetic affinities and protein structure. Furthermore, our investigation revealed that dispersed duplication has significantly contributed to the expansion of the <i>BdMATE</i> genes, with tandem and segmental duplications showing important roles, suggesting that the <i>MATE</i> genes in Poaceae species have embarked on divergent evolutionary trajectories. Examination of ω values demonstrated that <i>BdMATE</i> genes underwent purifying selection throughout the evolutionary process. Furthermore, collinearity analysis has confirmed a high conservation of <i>MATE</i> genes between <i>B. distachyon</i> and rice. The cis-regulatory elements analysis within <i>BdMATEs</i> promoters, coupled with expression patterns, suggests that <i>BdMATEs</i> play important roles during plant development and in response to phytohormones. Collectively, the findings presented establish a foundational basis for the subsequent detailed characterization of the <i>MATE</i> gene family members in <i>B. distachyon</i>.