Characterisation of somatic embryogenesis receptor-like kinase (serk) in finger millet (eleusine coracana l.)

Abstract

Morphogenic genes play a central role in regulating somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration, offering potential tools to overcome tissue culture recalcitrancy in crops. This research focuses on the identification and characterisation of the SERK1 (SOMATIC EMBRYOGENESIS RECEPTOR-LIKE KINASE 1) gene in finger millet (Eleusine coracana), a nutritionally rich and climate-resilient crop. Comparative sequence analysis of SERK1 in 24 plant species revealed its conserved nature, especially among monocots. Phylogenetic analysis showed E. coracana in close relation to other members of the Poaceae family. Baseline expression profiles of SERK1 in five Poaceae species derived from the EMBL-EBI Expression Atlas indicated that expression is highest in reproductive tissues such as inflorescence and anther. Experimental analysis of various tissue samples of E. coracana by qPCR revealed the highest SERK1 expression in callus tissue, confirming its function in totipotency and somatic embryogenesis. Moderate expression in the flag leaf relative to the vegetative leaf highlights the potential involvement of SERK1 in developmental transitions. These findings validate SERK1 as a key candidate for improving regeneration protocols in E. coracana and provide a basis for future work in tissue culture-based crop improvement.