Abiotic stresses like drought, heat, cold and salinity cause major productivity loss in the rapeseed-mustard crops (Brassica). Major efforts have been made in the past to identify genes that provide resistance against such stresses. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) proteins, member of the metallo-enzyme family play vital role in protecting plants against abiotic stresses. In the present study, genome-wide analysis of abiotic stress responsive SOD gene family has been done in B. juncea and B. rapa. A total of 29 and 18 SOD genes were identified in B. juncea and B. rapa respectively and chromosome location mapping indicated their wide distribution across genome. On the basis of domain composition, the SODs were phylogenetically classified into sub-groups which was also substantiated by the gene structure and sub-cellular locations of SOD proteins. Functional annotation of SODs was also done by Gene Ontology (GO) mapping and the result was corroborated by the identified cis-regulatory elements in the promoter region of SOD genes. Based on FPKM analysis of SRA data available for drought, heat and salt stress, we identified 14 and 10 abiotic stress responsive SOD genes in B. rapa and B. juncea respectively. The differential expression analysis under drought and heat stress of identified abiotic-stress responsive SOD genes was done through quantitative Real Time PCR. We identified abiotic-stress responsive genes that could help in improving the plant tolerance against abiotic stresses. This was the first study to describe the genome-wide analysis of SOD gene family in B. rapa and B. juncea, and the results will help in laying basic ground for future work of cloning and functional validation of SOD genes during abiotic stresses leading to Brassica crop improvement.

BTB (broad-complex, tram track and bric-a-brac) proteins have broad functions in different growth processes and biotic and abiotic stresses. However, the biological role of these proteins has not yet been explored in grapevine, which draws our attention towards the BTB gene family. Herein, we identified 69 BTB genes (VvBTB) in the Vitis vinifera genome and performed comprehensive in silico analysis. Phylogenetic analysis classified VvBTB proteins into five groups, and further domain analysis revealed the presence of other additional functional domains. The majority of BTB proteins were localized in the nucleus. We also performed differential expression analysis by harnessing RNA- seq data of 10 developmental stages and different biotic and abiotic stresses. Our findings revealed the plausible roles of the BTB gene family in developmental stages; Fifty VvBTB were differentially expressed at different developmental stages. In addition, 47 and 16 VvBTB were responsive towards abiotic and biotic stresses, respectively. Interestingly, 13 VvBTB genes exhibited differential expression in at least one of the developmental stages and biotic and abiotic stresses. Further, miRNA target prediction of 13 VvBTB genes revealed that vvi-miR482 targets VvBTB56, and multiple miRNAs, such as vvi-miR172, vvi-miR169 and vvi-miR399, target VvBTB24, which provides an insight into the essential role of the BTB family in the grapevine. Our study provides the first comprehensive analysis and essential information that can potentially be used for further functional investigation of BTB genes in this economically important fruit crop.