Molecular cloning and characterization of six defensin genes from lentil plant (Lens culinaris L.).

Six full-length gene and cDNA sequences of defensin were identified from Lens culinaris L. plant. The identified genes and cDNAs were different in length and their coding sequences contained Knot1 functional domain. Phylogenetic analysis classified the identified defensins into two subfamilies. All defensin genes contained only one intron and had extracellular signal peptides. Secondary structures of identified defensins were completely composed of alpha helix and beta strand. Presence of conserved Cys amino acids and disulfide bridges, interaction with defense and signaling proteins and antimicrobial activity were other common features of these peptides. The identified defensins displayed differential expression pattern in the various tissues. The highest expression level of defensins was observed in seed, pod, and root tissues. Defensin 4 was significantly expressed in all examined tissues, whereas the other defensins were only expressed in some tissues. Also, in the fungal and wounding treatments, lentil defensins showed different expression pattern. Defensin 1 was up-regulated in both fungal and wounding treatments. Defensin 4 showed decreased expression level in both fungal and wounding treatments. Defensins 2 and 6 were up-regulated in wounding and fungal treatments, respectively. In this study, for the first time, six defensin genes were isolated and characterized from lentil. Our results highlighted the role of defensins in lentil plant that can be used for future studies.