Identification of genes co-expressing in rice during abiotic stresses through cluster analysis

Present study involves a simple cluster analysis approach to identify the co-expressed genes in the genome of Oryza sativa during different abiotic stress conditions viz. drought, cold and salt using data available on SMD (Stanford Micro array Database) and RED (Rice Expression Database). Starting from different experimental sets of the micro array expression data (obtained from literature survey and pathway information), the presence of co-expressed genes is evaluated. The study suggests that it is easier to develop transgenics combining both drought and salt tolerance compared to the transgenics combining drought and cold or cold and salt. Since genetically complex responses to abiotic conditions are difficult to control and engineer, a more detailed study of this type can assist in devising the strategy for the development of transgenic plants coupled with multiple stress tolerance.