Subfunctionalization, neofunctionalization, and nonfunctionalization of the four soybean phytochrome A genes.

Gene duplication generates new genes, which retain their original function or undergo subfunctionalization, neofunctionalization, or nonfunctionalization. The phytochrome A (PHYA) genes in soybean (Glycine max) have undergone duplication to produce GmPHYA1, GmPHYA2 (E4), GmPHYA3 (E3), and GmPHYA4, each with distinct evolutionary fates. Using genetic and biochemical analyses, we discovered that GmPHYA1 has undergone subfunctionalization and is essential for regulating photomorphogenesis and plant height in soybean.

Genome-Wide Analysis of Genes Related to Salt Stress in Soybeans ().

The AGC protein kinase family plays a crucial role in regulating plant growth, immunity, and cell death, as well as responses to abiotic stresses such as salt-induced stress, which impact plant development and productivity. While the functions of AGC kinases have been thoroughly studied in model plants such as , their roles in soybeans () remain poorly understood. In this study, we identified 69 kinase genes in soybeans, which are unevenly distributed across 19 chromosomes and classified into five subfamilies: PDK1, AGCVI, AGCVII, AGCVIII, and AGC (other).