Sajid Fiaz

Prof. Sajid Fiaz


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

1Year (2026-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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16 January 2026 in International Journal of Applied and Experimental Biology
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
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FAFirdus Afghan
Firdus Afghan
MSMuhammad Abu Bakar Saddique
Muhammad Abu Bakar Saddique
SHSadia Hakeem
Sadia Hakeem
SFSajid Fiaz
Sajid Fiaz
Salt tolerance in plants, including tomato, is influenced by the hyperosmolality-gated calcium-permeable channel (OSCA) gene family, which plays an important role in osmotic stress signaling. In this research, thirteen OSCA gene family members were identified in tomato, which were diversified into four clades, in close association with StOSCA genes (Solanum tuberosum) within clade 3, suggesting conservation among the genus, while five genes also closely clustered with Helianthus annuus, indicating a common ancestral lineage predating species divergence. These genes were unevenly distributed across 8 of 12 tomato chromosomes, with chromosome 2 harboring the highest number of SIOSCA genes (five). The highly conserved RSN_7TM (PF02714) domain was present in all SlOSCA proteins. This domain is known for its role in calcium-permeable ion channels and was further verified by the strict localization of 12 SlOSCA proteins (SlOSCA1-11 and SlOSCA13) in the plasma membrane. Sequence logo analysis validated the conserved amino acid residues, including proline (P), aspartic acid (D), arginine (R), valine (V), glycine (G), and tryptophan (W), from the N-terminal to C-terminal regions. The protein-protein interaction network was centered upon Solyc03g095760.2.1, acting as a major protein interacting with several SlOSCA members, including SlOSCA-1 to SlOSCA-7, except SlOSCA-5. The expression analysis showed higher expression of SlOSCA 2, 8, and 10 across all treatments and tissues, particularly in root tissues, highlighting their role in salinity tolerance. This study thus provides a theoretical basis for targeting the SlOSCA gene family for salt tolerance in tomato, a model plant species, and for translating this approach to other economically important crop species.