Molecular characterization revealed the role of catalases under abiotic and arsenic stress in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

[Display omitted] •In total, ten TaCAT genes were identified in the genome of Triticum aestivum L.•Differential expression suggested their role in abiotic, AsIII and AsV stresses.•Enzyme assay revealed modulated catalase activity after these stress treatments.•Expression of TaCAT3-B provided abiotic stress tolerance to E. coli cells.•Recombinant E. coli exhibited significant tolerance against AsIII and AsV toxicity. Catalases are crucial antioxidant enzymes that reduce the excessive level of H2O2 caused by various environmental stresses and metal toxicity and hence protect the plant cells. In this study, a total of ten TaCAT genes, forming three homeologous groups, were identified in the genome of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and named as per the wheat gene symbolization guidelines. The identified catalases were characterized for various structural and physicochemical features. The proximal active-site (F(D/A)RERIPERVVHAKGASA) and heme-ligand (R(I/V)F(S/A)Y(A/S)DTQ) signature motifs, catalytic residues and peroxisomal targeting peptides were found conserved. Phylogenetic analysis clustered TaCATs into three classes, which showed conserved functional specialization based on their tissue specific expression. Modulated spatio-temporal expression of various TaCAT genes and alteration in total catalase enzyme activity during heat, drought, salt and arsenic (AsIII and AsV) treatment suggested their roles in abiotic stress response and arsenic tolerance. Molecular cloning and overexpression of TaCAT3-B gene in Escherichia coli showed tolerance against heat, drought, salt and varied concentrations of AsIII and AsV treatments. The results further confirmed their role in stress tolerance and recommended that these genes can be used in future stress management strategies for the development of abiotic and arsenic stress resistant transgenic crops.