Genome-wide characterization of LEA2 and WOX gene families in Vitis vinifera and their potential involvement in abiotic stress tolerance

Abstract

Grapevine ( Vitis vinifera L.) is an economically important fruit crop whose productivity and fruit quality are adversely affected by abiotic stresses such as drought and salinity. Late Embryogenesis Abundant (LEA) proteins contribute to plant stress tolerance, whereas WUSCHEL-related homeobox (WOX) transcription factors are primarily involved in plant development. Here, we performed a genome-wide identification and bioinformatics characterization of the LEA2 and WOX gene families in grapevine to investigate their potential roles in abiotic stress responses. A total of 36  VvLEA2 and 29  VvWOX genes were identified. Phylogenetic analysis classified VvLEA2 genes into two major clades and a distinct singleton lineage, while VvWOX genes formed three major clades, with phylogenetic relationships broadly supported by gene structure and conserved motif patterns. Most VvLEA2 genes were intronless, whereas VvWOX genes exhibited greater exon–intron diversity. Subcellular localization prediction indicated diverse cellular distributions of VvLEA2 proteins, with a predominance at the plasma membrane, while VvWOX proteins were predominantly predicted to be nuclear-localized. miRNA analysis identified 195 miRNAs potentially targeting 35  VvLEA2 genes and 270 miRNAs targeting all 29  VvWOX genes. Promoter analysis revealed numerous stress-, hormone-, and development-related cis-regulatory elements. Overall, these in silico findings suggest potential roles for VvLEA2 and VvWOX genes in grapevine stress responses and developmental regulation, while experimental validation is required to confirm these predicted functions and regulatory relationships. The findings provide a foundation for future functional studies and stress-tolerance-oriented grapevine breeding.