Comprehensive Genome-wide Analysis of CBL and CIPK Genes in Corchorus olitorius and C. capsularis: Unveiling their Synergistic Roles in Stress Adaptation and Fiber Development

Abstract Calcineurin B-like proteins (CBLs) are plant-specific Ca 2+ sensors that, in synergy with CBL-interacting protein kinases (CIPKs), regulate Ca 2+ signaling in responses to environmental stimuli. Although their roles are extensively characterized in Arabidopsis thaliana and other model plant species, an exhaustive analysis of jute species ( Corchorus olitorius and C. capsularis ) remains elusive. This research identified nine CBL s and 19 CIPK s in C. capsularis , and eight CBL s and 18 CIPK s in C. olitorius . We conducted a meticulous analysis of their physicochemical properties, gene structure, subcellular localization, chromosomal localization, synteny, collinearity, conserved domains, and motifs. Gene structure and phylogenetic analyses categorized CBL and CIPK genes into four distinct clades based on conserved protein architectures and motifs. Subcellular localization predictions indicated a predominantly cytoplasmic distribution for most CIPKs and plasma membrane localization for most CBLs. Promoter analysis of cis- regulatory elements reveals that numerous CBL and CIPK genes from both species are involved in various abiotic stress responses. Expression analyses of these bast fiber-producing Corchorus species suggest the pivotal roles of CBL5 , CIPK6 , CIPK10 , and CIPK25 in fiber cell development, while those of CBL8 , CIPK21 , and CIPK23 in reproductive organ development in both jute species. Waterlogging stress significantly upregulated the expression of CBL5 , CBL8 , CIPK7 , CIPK10 , and CIPK24 in both jute species. Salt stress triggered the upregulation of CBL4 , CBL10 , CIPK2 , CIPK6 , CIPK10 , CIPK14 , CIPK24 , and CIPK25 , while drought treatments led to the upregulation of CBL3 , CIPK5 , CIPK6 , CIPK7 , CIPK10 , and CIPK24 in both jute species. These transcriptome-based expression findings provide putative insights that lay the groundwork for future studies of CBLs and CIPKs in jute, enhancing our understanding of their roles in environmental stress adaptation and improving crop performance.