Real-time and in silico-based characterization of the heat stress-responsive gene TaGASR1 from Indian bread wheat

Wheat is a staple food for 80% of the global population, offering essential protein, calories, and nutrients. Earlier wheat heat interaction studies revealed that increasing temperatures can severely hinder plant growth and development, increasing overall productivity and sensitivity to extreme temperatures during seed emergence and anthesis. In this study, TaGASR1 (gibberellic acid-stimulated regulator 1), a potential candidate for heat stress resistance, was isolated, and its expression was found to be significantly greater in HD3086 wheat than in HD2894 wheat at both the seedling and anthesis stages after exposure to 42 °C heat stress (HS). Furthermore, in silico studies validated the molecular findings, revealing a CDS region of 297 nucleotides with 2 ORFs, with ~93% sequence similarity to the TaGASR1 gene from the TAM107 wheat variety. A 3D model of the target protein was designed using the C8C4P9.1 template, showing 95.92% sequence similarity and 100% query coverage with the gibberellin-stimulated transcript. Furthermore, studies of the conserved motifs and protein-protein interactions of the TaGASR1 protein have identified three major functional partners: cold acclimation proteins, ABA-inducible proteins, and protein phosphatase 2C, emphasizing its role in abiotic stress responses. Hence, the TaGASR1 gene is a promising candidate for further studies, as it positively responds under HS conditions. Therefore, future research should focus on its role across different species to cultivate heat-tolerant varieties, supporting sustainable development amid climate change. This would encourage breeders and researchers to use this gene to advance wheat crop development, considering current and anticipated environmental conditions.