Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of the PsKIN gene family in pea

Peas (<i>Pisum sativum</i> L.) serve as a vital model for plant development and stress research. The <i>kinesin</i> (<i>KIN</i>) gene family, encoding essential motor proteins, remains understudied in peas. Our research conducted a comprehensive genomic analysis of the <i>KIN</i> genes in peas, identifying 105 genes categorized into seven subfamilies based on evolutionary relationships, gene structures, conserved motifs, and interaction networks. A comparative analysis with <i>Arabidopsis</i> and <i>soybean KIN</i> gene families showed a non-uniform distribution of <i>PsKIN</i> genes across subfamilies. Homology analysis revealed that the <i>PsKIN</i> family has undergone segmental duplication and is under negative selection pressures, with conserved genes on chromosomes Ps5, Ps6, and Ps7 playing a significant role in pea evolution. Transcriptomics revealed 38 <i>PsKIN</i> genes with distinct tissue-specific expression, with <i>PsKIN76</i>, <i>PsKIN96</i>, <i>PsKIN82</i>, and <i>PsKIN103</i> showing significant levels in roots, lateral roots, stems, petals, and seeds, respectively. Differential expression under drought and saline stress was observed, with <i>PsKIN8</i>, <i>PsKIN11</i>, <i>PsKIN54</i> upregulated under drought, and <i>PsKIN47</i> and <i>PsKIN51</i> under saline stress. These genes are potential candidates for improving plant stress tolerance. This study offers insights into the pea <i>KIN</i> gene family, highlighting their potential in enhancing plant stress tolerance and setting a stage for future research.