Insights into Immune Gene Prediction and Function Through the Evolutionary History of ADF Gene Family

O_LIACTIN DEPOLYMERIZING FACTORS (ADFs) are key regulators of actin cytoskeletal dynamics and plant immunity. C_LIO_LIWe predicted the potential immune-associated function of 38 genes from Arabidopsis using gene expression values from 24,123 RNA-Seq datasets and 34 single-cell datasets through machine learning algorithms. C_LIO_LIThe evolutionary relationships of ADF family members from 38 eukaryotic species were evaluated, including an assessment of the sub-function(s) of these members. C_LIO_LIOur results show that the ADF clade in plant and other kingdoms are separated, with ADF3, 5, 7, 9, and 10 possessing collinear relationships within species, and ADF 2,3,4,6,7, and 10 possessing evolved, new, sub-functions related to response to Fe, copper-deficiency, and ABA signaling in Arabidopsis. Expanded, multiple, roles for ADF1,4, and 6 were also identified. C_LIO_LIThis study not only provides an analysis of the expanded role for the ADF family of genes/proteins, but also provides insight into, and a framework for, the identification and study of the evolutionary history of genes having putative roles in immune signaling. C_LI