Integrated genome-wide analysis of wheat disease resistance proteins provides insights into Fusarium head blight defense mechanism

Understanding the molecular basis of disease resistance in wheat is essential for developing durable defense against Fusarium head blight (FHB). In this study, we identified 298 previously uncharacterized resistance (R) proteins in bread wheat and its wild and domesticated relatives through genome-wide analyses. Comprehensive investigation integrating motif characterization, phylogenetic reconstruction, gene duplication, and synteny analyses revealed the evolutionary expansion and diversification of wheat R genes. To explore their structural and dynamic features, selected R proteins were modeled using deep learning-based protein prediction followed by molecular dynamics simulations. Furthermore, expression profiling of multiple wheat varieties under control and FHB-infected conditions identified two R genes strongly upregulated during infection, indicating their potential involvement in wheat immune responses. To support future functional studies and breeding applications, we developed the Wheat Resistance Proteins Database (WRPD, a user-friendly resource providing genomic, structural, and functional information for all identified R proteins. Collectively, this work integrates computational modeling, evolutionary analysis, and expression profiling to elucidate the molecular framework of wheat defense mechanisms against FHB, offering valuable insights for resistance breeding and sustainable wheat production.