Cysteine-Rich Peptide Genes of Wheatgrass <i>Thinopyrum elongatum</i>

Cysteine-rich peptides play an important role in the plant defense system. The aim of the present work was to search in silico for genes encoding antimicrobial and signaling peptides in the genome of Thinopyrum elongatum (Host) D.R. Dewey (2n = 14, EE) − a wild grass species with high resistance to pathogens and abiotic stress. Bioinformatic analysis revealed 154 new genes of antimicrobial and signaling peptide precursors belonging to 9 families in Th. elongatum genome. Introns were detected in a number of cysteine-rich peptide genes. The structure of peptide precursors and localization of peptide genes in wheat chromosomes were determined. The greatest similarity of the sequences of Th. elongatum peptides with homologous peptides of plants of the genera Triticum and Aegilops was shown, which confirms the cytogenetic data on the relatedness of genome E with genome D and similar genomes. The results obtained contribute to the characterization of molecular components of the immune system of Th. elongatum and will serve as a basis for further studies of resistance mechanisms, as well as for scientifically justified practical use of this species as a resistance donor in wheat breeding.