Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of the GRAS transcription factor family and its expression profiles in Elymus sibiricus

BACKGROUND: Elymus sibiricus is widely utilized for establishing of high-yield artificial grasslands due to its remarkable productivity and strong resistance to environmental stresses, making it an excellent forage species. GRAS transcription factors play a pivotal role in regulating plant growth, development, and responses to abiotic stress. Although the GRAS gene family has been identified in various plant species, its identification and function in E. sibiricus remain largely unexplored. RESULT: A comprehensive genome-wide analysis identified a total of 130 EsGRAS genes in E. sibiricus. Comprehensive analyses, including chromosomal distribution, gene structure, conserved motifs, cis-acting regulatory elements and evolutionary relationships, were conducted. Protein-protein interaction network analysis predicted that GID1, GA2OX, GA3OX, PAT1, PHYA, and NSP2 may serve as central nodes in GRAS-mediated regulatory pathways. Expression profiling revealed that most EsGRAS geneswere highly expressed in seedling tissues. Additionally, multiple EsGRAS genes showed differential expression in response to salt, drought, ABA, and GA treatments, indicating their potential involvement in abiotic stress tolerance. CONCLUSION: The study systematically characterized the GRAS gene family in E. sibiricus. Identifying 130 members and revealing their diverse structural features and expression patterns. Notably, EsGRAS128, EsGRAS90, EsGRAS95, and EsGRAS113 genes exhibited both constitutive expression and strong responsiveness under multiple abiotic stresses, suggesting their potential regulatory roles. These findings provide a foundation for understanding the genetic evolution and biological functions of the GRAS gene family in E. sibiricus, for further functional studies and may facilitate molecular breeding strategies to enhance stress resilience in E. sibiricus and related forage species.