Analysis of Wheat Pollen Ole E I Proteins Reveals Potential Roles in Fertility and Stress Adaptation

Abiotic stresses increasingly threaten wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) productivity by impairing pollen development and fertilization, yet the molecular regulators that coordinate reproductive success with environmental resilience remain underexplored. Here, we present a comprehensive genome-wide analysis of the Pollen Olea europaea I (POEI) protein family in common wheat. A total of 104 TaPOEI genes were identified and classified into six phylogenetic clades, each sharing conserved exon–intron structures and key protein motifs. Promoter analysis revealed abundant cis-elements associated with phytohormone signaling and abiotic stress responses. Notably, TaPOEI 16-A was preferentially expressed in anthers, showing high expression during early anther development and responding to both high- and low-temperature stresses. Pairwise comparison between thermosensitive genic male-sterile wheat lines and fertile lines suggests a potential role for TaPOEI 16-A in regulating male fertility in response to temperature fluctuations. Our comprehensive analysis establishes a foundation for future functional studies of the TaPOEI family and provides insights into wheat fertility and stress resilience enhancement.