Genome-Wide Identification and Characterization Thaumatin-like Protein (TLP) Genes in Wild Olive (Olea europaea var. sylvestris)

Abstract

The wild olive tree (Olea europaea var. sylvestris) is the ancestor of all olive varieties, displaying remarkable adaptability to diverse climatic conditions and soil types. This iconic tree of the Mediterranean Basin stands out for its ability to withstand environmental stresses, such as water scarcity and temperature variations, playing a crucial role in the ecology, economy, and culture of the region. In this study, 42 TLP genes were characterized in the wild olive tree, distributed across 14 chromosomes and nine scaffolds. In silico analysis revealed the presence of domains associated with antifungal activity in some sequences, indicating their potential role in pathogen resistance. The structural diversity of OeTLP genes was explored through multiple alignments, conserved motifs and phenetic analysis. Correlation was observed between phenetic diversity, genetic structure, and motif patterns, suggesting different functions among OeTLP groups. Additionally, the distribution of exons and introns in the pheneticc tree provided further insights into the evolution of these genes. Comparative modeling of OeTLPs unveiled three-dimensional models with good structural quality and distinctive surface charge characteristics. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the physicochemical, structural, and phenetic features of TLP genes in Wild Olive, contributing to knowledge about this species' response to environmental stresses and pathogens.