Analysis of Wheat Pollen Ole E I Proteins Reveals Potential Roles in Fertility and Stress Adaptation

Abiotic stresses increasingly threaten wheat (<i>Triticum aestivum</i> L.) productivity by impairing pollen development and fertilization, yet the molecular regulators that coordinate reproductive success with environmental resilience remain underexplored. Here, we present a comprehensive genome-wide analysis of the Pollen <i>Olea europaea</i> I (POEI) protein family in common wheat. A total of 104 <i>TaPOEI</i> genes were identified and classified into six phylogenetic clades, each sharing conserved exon-intron structures and key protein motifs. Promoter analysis revealed abundant cis-elements associated with phytohormone signaling and abiotic stress responses. Notably, <i>TaPOEI 16-A</i> was preferentially expressed in anthers, showing high expression during early anther development and responding to both high- and low-temperature stresses. Pairwise comparison between thermosensitive genic male-sterile wheat lines and fertile lines suggests a potential role for <i>TaPOEI 16-A</i> in regulating male fertility in response to temperature fluctuations. Our comprehensive analysis establishes a foundation for future functional studies of the <i>TaPOEI</i> family and provides insights into wheat fertility and stress resilience enhancement.