Análise de enriquecimento gênico em resposta ao excesso hídrico na soja

Abstract

Soybean (Glycine max L.) is one of the most relevant agricultural crops worldwide, due to both its economic importance and nutritional value. In Brazil, soybean production has grown significantly, especially in regions such as MATOPIBA. However, cultivation faces challenges related to abiotic stresses, such as waterlogging, which can compromise productivity. In this context, the present study investigated, through an in silico approach, the distribution and function of genes associated with waterlogging tolerance in soybean, with a focus on functional enrichment analysis. The general objective of the study was to perform a GO (Gene Ontology) enrichment analysis of 44 genes linked to waterlogging tolerance in soybean. Among the specific objectives were the identification of the genomic location and functions of the genes, as well as the graphical representation of the associated molecular, biological, and cellular functions. The methodology consisted of in silico analysis based on genomic data available in the SoyBase database and the Dryad repository. The 44 genes used were previously identified in robust studies involving GWAS, transcriptomes, and protein–protein interaction networks. The GO Term Enrichment Tool was used to characterize the genes regarding their biological processes, molecular functions, and cellular components involved in the response to water stress. The results revealed that the genes associated with tolerance are distributed across several chromosomes, particularly at the ends, suggesting a polygenic and complex nature of waterlogging tolerance. Functional analysis highlighted the predominance of processes such as signal transduction (52.6%) and biosynthesis (21.1%), in addition to molecular functions related to protein binding (33.3%) and transcription factor activity. The nucleus (29.5%) was the main cellular component identified. Genes such as WRKY40, ZEP, and NAC3 stood out for their roles in regulating hormonal and structural responses to flooding. It is concluded that soybean tolerance to waterlogging involves a complex network of genes and processes, reinforcing the importance of using genomic tools in plant breeding. The data obtained provide support for the development of cultivars better adapted to flood-prone environments, contributing to sustainable agricultural production strategies.