The succinate-CoA ligase protein (SUCL1) family is present in a wide range of eukaryotes and is encoded by a number of different genes, including several isoforms produced by homologous genes. The heterodimeric enzyme succinate-CoA ligase contributes to the tricarboxylic acid cycle and gives the organism energy [1]. As succinate is the substrate of the respiration chain and is allosterically regulated, SUCL1 is a part of the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA cycle), which regulates photosynthesis and respiration in plants [2]. SUCL1 in reaction to stress, the increased succinate-CoA in the TCA cycle brought about by the rapid glycolysis led to the production of a significant amount of ATP [2]. Recent years have seen significant advancements in our comprehension of the function of the SUCL1 protein in energy metabolism, signal regulation, and the reaction to abiotic stress [[3], [4], [5]].

In plants, SUCL1s are extensively distributed [6] and show specific expression in various tissues [[7], [8], [9]]. Succinyl-CoA ligase was known to influence a range of metabolic processes in plants, such as acyl-CoA metabolism, citrate metabolism, metal ion reactions, nucleotide metabolism, the TCA cycle, and carboxylate metabolism [10,11]. Research analysis indicated the correlation between SUCL1 genes in coconuts and respiration under cold stress conditions [12]. Proteomic analysis of Oenothera glazioviana under copper (Cu) stress showed an upregulation in the expression of SUCL1 genes [13]. Additionally, SUCL1 genes were also crucial for adapting to aluminum (Al) toxicity [14]. Carbon metabolism in black soil microbial communities under lead‑lanthanum stress caused changes in SUCL1 genes expression [15]. Response of cadmium (Cd) stress on rhizome proteomics of Polygonatum cyrtonema induced up-regulated expression of SUCL1 genes [16]. In reaction to stress from drought on soybeans, accelerated glycolysis led to an increase in succinyl-CoA levels, thereby enhancing the synthesis of a substantial amount of ATP [17]. According to study findings, SUCL1 genes are also associated with lignification and play a role in osmotic stress response [18]. During postharvest hypoxia stress, SUCL1 genes were involved in regulating the central carbon metabolism of apple fruits [19].

Wheat (Triticum aestivum) is one of the three major grain crops in the world, and is the staple food for about 35 % of the world's population [20], is regularly subjected to biotic and abiotic challenges such drought, salt, and cold temperatures. Also, wheat, as a widely grown crop, is a significant component in crop research. The safe cultivation of wheat has recently been put at risk by soil heavy metal contamination, particularly the heavy metal cadmium (Cd), which has negatively impacted wheat growth and hampered its absorption and transfer of essential nutrients [21,22]. The SUCL1 genes have been investigated in a number of plants, including Arabidopsis [23] and oats [24]. Although pivotal in regulating plant development and stress responses, a comprehensive analysis on the identification and functional analysis of SUCL1 genes in Triticum aestivum has not yet been reported. The purpose of this research is to explore the role of the SUCL1 gene family in wheat genetic development and function. This work first performed a bioinformatics analysis of the SUCL1 gene family's genomic data, identifying and analyzing the gene and protein sequences, conserved motifs, and cis-acting regions of the family members. The expression of the SUCL1 gene family under heavy metal stresses was investigated by real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). We hypothesized that SUCL1-1 plays a crucial role in regulating Cd transport in wheat. The function of TaSUCL1-1 in Cd resistance was identified by gene silencing, and the protein interactions in yeast cells were verified using a yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) system. These findings further establish the groundwork for wheat crop development by offering a theoretical framework for recognizing the biological functions of SUCL1 genes in the stress process.