Selective and Mild Transcriptional Modulation of Lectin Genes in Soy Leaves Under Drought Stress

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

This study investigates the response patterns and expression changes of lectin genes in different soybean varieties under drought stress, providing valuable insights for research in plant drought resistance mechanisms and lectin gene functionality. The study design is sound and the data are substantial. To further enhance the scientific rigor and completeness of the manuscript, the following specific suggestions are offered:

1. Experimental Validation of Differentially Expressed Genes (DEGs): Several drought-responsive lectin DEGs were identified through bioinformatic analysis. It is strongly recommended that key DEGs (particularly the core 15 genes) be experimentally validated, for example, using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), to strengthen the reliability of the transcriptomic data.

2. Supplemental Evidence for Functional Relevance: The authors identified lectin genes potentially associated with drought resistance. To more directly support their proposed role in drought response, it is suggested that the authors:If feasible, conduct functional validation by exogenously expressing these target lectin genes (or applying their encoded proteins) in soybean or other model plants and observe the effects on drought tolerance phenotypes; orProvide supplemental literature evidence demonstrating that the lectin genes mentioned (or their homologs) have been previously reported to be directly involved in plant drought stress response or signaling pathways.

3. Deepen the Structural Information Analysis in Figure 5: Figure 5 presents structural prediction information (e.g., AlphaFold models) for some lectin proteins. The information provided by the models alone is currently limited. It is recommended to enhance the analysis presented in this figure:
Include phylogenetic tree analysis and gene family analysis based on the amino acid sequences of these lectins to clarify their evolutionary relationships and classification.
Following the clarification of family classification and evolutionary context, perform a comparative analysis of structural domain features (e.g., conserved residues, potential ligand-binding sites). This approach would yield structural insights with greater biological significance and better align with the finding reported in the abstract regarding "G-/L-type lectin domains having largely lost canonical carbohydrate-binding residues, while LysM/Nictaba proteins retain them."

4. Optimize Figure Layout and Presentation: Some figures could be improved:
Figure 4, lower panel: The chart contains significant unused space. It is recommended to adjust the layout (e.g., scaling, adjusting element spacing) to utilize space more effectively, thereby improving information density and readability.
Figure 2a: A similar issue exists. Consider enlarging the key target region or removing non-core, less informative parts to enhance the prominence of the core information.

Author Response

Please see the attachment.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

In the presented manuscript, the object of the study is lectins. Lectins are protein kinases involved in protein phosphorylation. Their uniqueness is that they are able to bind to both carbohydrates and proteins. By binding to an external signal, lectins, as transmembrane proteins, can transmit this signal into the cell. The authors presented interesting results on the regulation of the response to drought with the participation of lectins and discussed the complex response, which is due to the multifunctional activity of lectins. The results obtained are promising for further research, this is only the initial stage.
Minor comments.
14 - remove the p-value in the abstract
62, 72 - remove the year
236 - remove the abbreviation (eATF), it is not used further
360, 364 - Latin names of plants in italics

The authors of the presented manuscript set a specific task for themselves and within the framework of this task they successfully solved it. Soybean is an important agricultural crop, the object of the study is lectin - protein kinase. The methods that were used by the authors are only bioinformational. Of course, in my opinion, the presented material lacks experimental evidence. But this work can be the basis for further research.

Author Response

Please see the attachment.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf