Genome-wide analysis of the sugarcane SUT gene family reveals ShSUT4 as a key regulator of abiotic stress responses

Xue-Ting Zhao, Ahmad Ali, Cui-Lian Feng, Ji-Shan Lin, Rui-Jie Wu, Shu-Zhen Zhang, Guang-Run Yu, Hai-Feng Jia, Yu-Qing Gong, Ting-Ting Zhao, Jun-Gang Wang

Theor Appl Genet.; 2026 Jan 5; 139(1):26. doi: 10.1007/s00122-025-05138-w.

Abstract

Sucrose transporters (SUTs) are crucial for plant growth, development, and stress responses. Despite sugarcane's importance as a sugar and biofuel crop, genomic data on its SUT genes under abiotic stress are limited. In this study, 37 ShSUT genes were identified through bioinformatic analysis. Phylogenetic classification grouped them into three major clades (I-III), with conserved motifs and gene structures supporting their evolutionary relationships. Promoter analysis revealed 15 key cis-elements related to hormone response, stress, development, and light regulation. All ShSUT genes were mapped on three contig regions and seven chromosomes. Collinearity and gene duplication analysis identified 15 segmentally duplicated gene pairs, indicating evolutionary expansion. Additionally, 7 putative 'sbi-miRNAs' were predicted to target 28 ShSUT genes, with sbi-miR5381 alone targeted 17 ShSUTs. For functional characterization, ShSUT04 was chosen due to its evolutionary significance, crucial role in sucrose transport, and potential involvement in regulating abiotic stress responses. Eighteen potential interactors were identified, with confirmed interactions for ShPsbR, ShRF2a, ShCOPTS.1, and ShSPT, validated through BiFC and Y2H assays. qRT-PCR analysis demonstrated stress-responsive expression patterns. Under cold stress, ShRF2a, ShPsbR, and ShSPT were down-regulated, indicating negative regulatory roles, while ShSUT04 and ShCOPT5.1 were up-regulated at specific time points, and ShSUT01 showed strong induction, suggesting a positive role in defense. Under drought, ShSUT04 and ShPsbR showed significant upregulation, suggesting positive regulatory roles. In salinity stress, while several genes were suppressed, ShSUT01 and ShPsbR were induced, reflecting their potential in stress adaptation. This study reveals the evolutionary and functional roles of sugarcane SUT genes in abiotic stress regulation, with ShSUT04 showing dual roles, positive under drought and negative under salinity and cold stresses.

See https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41489644/ or

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00122-025-05138-w