Genome-Wide Analysis and Stress-Responsive Expression of Eceriferum (CER) Genes in Strawberry (<i>Fragaria vesca</i>)

Plants use various structural and biochemical mechanisms to cope with environmental stress, with the cuticle wax layer acting as a key barrier. The Eceriferum (CER) gene family encodes key enzymes in wax biosynthesis and plays vital roles in stress resilience; however, its genome-wide characterization and expression dynamics remain unexplored in strawberry (Fragaria vesca). This study provides the first comprehensive genome-wide analysis of the FvCER gene family in strawberry, characterizing its members and defining their transcriptional responses to multiple, distinct stressors. Using genome-wide bioinformatic analyses, 22 FvCER genes (FvCER1-FvCER22) were identified and systematically characterized in terms of gene structure, protein motifs, chromosomal distribution, and evolutionary relationships across eight Rosaceae species. Expression profiling by RT-qPCR revealed that several FvCER members, particularly FvCER1, FvCER2, FvCER5, FvCER6, FvCER8, and FvCER9, were markedly upregulated (similar to 4 to similar to 10-fold) in leaves and roots under drought conditions, with peak induction occurring on day 14 of stress exposure. Salinity also induced moderate increases (similar to 2 to similar to 4-fold) in FvCER8 and FvCER9, indicating partial responsiveness to osmotic stress. Conversely, biotic stresses triggered a different set of genes; FvCER11 was up-regulated by viroid infection (similar to 5-fold), while FvCER12 was strongly induced by nematode infection (similar to 6-fold), suggesting specialized roles in pathogen defense. Together, these findings demonstrate that the FvCER gene family exhibits distinct and stress-specific transcriptional patterns. This study provides the first comprehensive characterization of the FvCER gene family in strawberry and highlights their potential utility in breeding stress-tolerant cultivars.