Genome-wide characterization of the Eceriferum (CER) gene family in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.).

The Eceriferum (CER) gene family plays a crucial role in mitigating non-stomatal water loss and enhancing plant resilience to abiotic stresses, particularly drought and salinity. A comprehensive understanding of CER gene composition and expression dynamics is thereby, fundamental for developing stress-resilient crop varieties. In this study, we identified 12 CER genes in the barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) genome through an extensive genome-wide analysis. These genes were mapped across multiple chromosomes, and phylogenetic classification delineated them into distinct subgroups, reflecting their evolutionary divergence. Structural analyses, including exon-intron architecture, conserved motif composition, and protein domain organization, revealed a high degree of conservation within subfamilies. Collinearity analysis indicated a limited occurrence of gene duplication events, suggesting an evolutionary trajectory distinct from that observed in other species. Additionally, promoter region analysis uncovered diverse cis-regulatory elements associated with hormonal regulation and abiotic stress responses, providing insights into potential transcriptional regulatory mechanisms. Expression profiling across different stress conditions demonstrated stress-specific gene expression patterns and dynamic transcriptional responses to salinity and drought. Collectively, these findings offer valuable insights into the functional roles of CER genes in barley and identify promising candidates for genetic interventions aimed at improving stress tolerance in cereal crops.