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Zhu Z, Chao E, Jiang A, Chen X, Ning K, Xu H, Chen M. The WRKY gene family in the halophyte Limonium bicolor: identification, expression analysis, and regulation of salt stress tolerance. PLANT CELL REPORTS 2024; 43:167. [PMID: 38865016 DOI: 10.1007/s00299-024-03258-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
KEY MESSAGE 63 L. bicolor WRKY genes were identified and their informatics was analyzed. The results suggested that the LbWRKY genes involved in the development and salt secretion of salt glands in L. bicolor. Salt stress, as a universal abiotic stress, severely inhibits the growth and development of plants. WRKY transcription factors play a vital role in plant growth and development, as well as in response to various stresses. Nevertheless, little is known of systematic genome-wide analysis of the WRKY genes in Limonium bicolor, a model recretohalophyte. In this study, 63 L. bicolor WRKY genes were identified (LbWRKY1-63), which were unevenly distributed across seven chromosomes and one scaffold. Based on the structural and phylogenetic characteristics, 63 LbWRKYs are divided into three main groups. Cis-elements in the LbWRKY promoters were related to growth and development, phytohormone responses, and stress responses. Colinearity analysis showed strong colinearity between LbWRKYs and GmWRKYs from soybean (Glycine max). Therefore, LbWRKY genes maybe have similar functions to GmWRKY genes. Expression analysis showed that 28 LbWRKY genes are highly expressed in roots, 9 in stems, 26 in leaves, and 12 in flowers and most LbWRKY genes responded to NaCl, ABA, and PEG6000. Silencing LbWRKY10 reduced salt gland density and salt secretion ability of leaves, and the salt tolerance of the species. Consistent with this, genes associated with salt gland development were markedly down-regulated in the LbWRKY10-silenced lines. Our findings suggested that the LbWRKY genes involved in the development and salt secretion of salt glands in L. bicolor. Our research provides new insights into the functions of the WRKY family in halophytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihui Zhu
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Stress Research, College of Life Science, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, 250014, China
- Dongying Institute, Shandong Normal University, No. 2 Kangyang Road, Dongying, 257000, China
| | - Erkun Chao
- DongYing Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 383 Jiaozhou Road, Dongying, 257000, Shandong, China
| | - Aijuan Jiang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Stress Research, College of Life Science, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, 250014, China
- Dongying Institute, Shandong Normal University, No. 2 Kangyang Road, Dongying, 257000, China
| | - Xiaofang Chen
- The Engineering Research Institute of Agriculture and Forestry, Ludong University, Yantai, 264025, Shandong, China
| | - Kai Ning
- The Engineering Research Institute of Agriculture and Forestry, Ludong University, Yantai, 264025, Shandong, China
| | - Hualing Xu
- The Engineering Research Institute of Agriculture and Forestry, Ludong University, Yantai, 264025, Shandong, China.
| | - Min Chen
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Stress Research, College of Life Science, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, 250014, China.
- Dongying Institute, Shandong Normal University, No. 2 Kangyang Road, Dongying, 257000, China.
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Zhao X, Qi G, Liu J, Chen K, Miao X, Hussain J, Liu S, Ren H. Genome-wide identification of WRKY transcription factors in Casuarina equisetifolia and the function analysis of CeqWRKY11 in response to NaCl/NaHCO 3 stresses. BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2024; 24:376. [PMID: 38714947 PMCID: PMC11077731 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-024-04889-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Casuarina equisetifolia (C. equisetifolia) is a woody species with many excellent features. It has natural resistance against drought, salt and saline-alkali stresses. WRKY transcription factors (TFs) play significant roles in plant response to abiotic stresses, therefore, molecular characterization of WRKY gene family under abiotic stresses holds great significance for improvement of forest trees through molecular biological tools. At present, WRKY TFs from C. equisetifolia have not been thoroughly studied with respect to their role in salt and saline-alkali stresses response. The current study was conducted to bridge the same knowledge gap. RESULTS A total of 64 WRKYs were identified in C. equisetifolia and divided into three major groups i.e. group I, II and III, consisting of 10, 42 and 12 WRKY members, respectively. The WRKY members in group II were further divided into 5 subgroups according to their homology with Arabidopsis counterparts. WRKYs belonging to the same group exhibited higher similarities in gene structure and the presence of conserved motifs. Promoter analysis data showed the presence of various response elements, especially those related to hormone signaling and abiotic stresses, such as ABRE (ABA), TGACG (MeJA), W-box ((C/T) TGAC (T/C)) and TC-rich motif. Tissue specific expression data showed that CeqWRKYs were mainly expressed in root under normal growth conditions. Furthermore, most of the CeqWRKYs were up-regulated by NaCl and NaHCO3 stresses with few of WRKYs showing early responsiveness to both stresses while few others exhibiting late response. Although the expressions of CeqWRKYs were also induced by cold stress, the response was delayed compared with other stresses. Transgenic C. equisetifolia plants overexpressing CeqWRKY11 displayed lower electrolyte leakage, higher chlorophyll content, and enhanced tolerance to both stresses. The higher expression of abiotic stress related genes, especially CeqHKT1 and CeqPOD7, in overexpression lines points to the maintenance of optimum Na+/K+ ratio, and ROS scavenging as possible key molecular mechanisms underlying salt stress tolerance. CONCLUSIONS Our results show that CeqWRKYs might be key regulators of NaCl and NaHCO3 stresses response in C. equisetifolia. In addition, positive correlation of CeqWRKY11 expression with increased stress tolerance in C. equisetifolia encourages further research on other WRKY family members through functional genomic tools. The best candidates could be incorporated in other woody plant species for improving stress tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohong Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang A & F University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311300, China
| | - Guoning Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang A & F University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311300, China
| | - Jinhong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang A & F University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311300, China
| | - Kui Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang A & F University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311300, China
| | - Xinxin Miao
- State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang A & F University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311300, China
| | - Jamshaid Hussain
- Department of Biotechnology, COMSATS University Islamabad, Abbottabad Campus, University Road, Tobe Camp, Abbottabad, 22060, Pakistan
| | - Shenkui Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang A & F University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311300, China.
| | - Huimin Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang A & F University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311300, China.
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Xiong R, Peng Z, Zhou H, Xue G, He A, Yao X, Weng W, Wu W, Ma C, Bai Q, Ruan J. Genome-wide identification, structural characterization and gene expression analysis of the WRKY transcription factor family in pea (Pisum sativum L.). BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2024; 24:113. [PMID: 38365619 PMCID: PMC10870581 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-024-04774-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The WRKY gene family is one of the largest families of transcription factors in higher plants, and WRKY transcription factors play important roles in plant growth and development as well as in response to abiotic stresses; however, the WRKY gene family in pea has not been systematically reported. RESULTS In this study, 89 pea WRKY genes were identified and named according to the random distribution of PsWRKY genes on seven chromosomes. The gene family was found to have nine pairs of tandem duplicates and 19 pairs of segment duplicates. Phylogenetic analyses of the PsWRKY and 60 Arabidopsis WRKY proteins were performed to determine their homology, and the PsWRKYs were classified into seven subfamilies. Analysis of the physicochemical properties, motif composition, and gene structure of pea WRKYs revealed significant differences in the physicochemical properties within the PsWRKY family; however, their gene structure and protein-conserved motifs were highly conserved among the subfamilies. To further investigate the evolutionary relationships of the PsWRKY family, we constructed comparative syntenic maps of pea with representative monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous plants and found that it was most recently homologous to the dicotyledonous WRKY gene families. Cis-acting element analysis of PsWRKY genes revealed that this gene family can respond to hormones, such as abscisic acid (ABA), indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), gibberellin (GA), methyl jasmonate (MeJA), and salicylic acid (SA). Further analysis of the expression of 14 PsWRKY genes from different subfamilies in different tissues and fruit developmental stages, as well as under five different hormone treatments, revealed differences in their expression patterns in the different tissues and fruit developmental stages, as well as under hormone treatments, suggesting that PsWRKY genes may have different physiological functions and respond to hormones. CONCLUSIONS In this study, we systematically identified WRKY genes in pea for the first time and further investigated their physicochemical properties, evolution, and expression patterns, providing a theoretical basis for future studies on the functional characterization of pea WRKY genes during plant growth and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiqi Xiong
- College of Agriculture, Guizhou University, Huaxi District, Guiyang, Guizhou Province, 550025, P R China
| | - Zhonghua Peng
- College of Agriculture, Guizhou University, Huaxi District, Guiyang, Guizhou Province, 550025, P R China
| | - Hui Zhou
- Sichuan Province Seed Station, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Guoxing Xue
- College of Agriculture, Guizhou University, Huaxi District, Guiyang, Guizhou Province, 550025, P R China
| | - Ailing He
- College of Agriculture, Guizhou University, Huaxi District, Guiyang, Guizhou Province, 550025, P R China
| | - Xin Yao
- College of Agriculture, Guizhou University, Huaxi District, Guiyang, Guizhou Province, 550025, P R China
| | - Wenfeng Weng
- College of Agriculture, Guizhou University, Huaxi District, Guiyang, Guizhou Province, 550025, P R China
| | - Weijiao Wu
- College of Agriculture, Guizhou University, Huaxi District, Guiyang, Guizhou Province, 550025, P R China
| | - Chao Ma
- College of Agriculture, Guizhou University, Huaxi District, Guiyang, Guizhou Province, 550025, P R China
| | - Qing Bai
- College of Agriculture, Guizhou University, Huaxi District, Guiyang, Guizhou Province, 550025, P R China
| | - Jingjun Ruan
- College of Agriculture, Guizhou University, Huaxi District, Guiyang, Guizhou Province, 550025, P R China.
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Liu X, Zhou G, Chen S, Jia Z, Zhang S, He F, Ren M. Genome-wide analysis of the Tritipyrum NAC gene family and the response of TtNAC477 in salt tolerance. BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2024; 24:40. [PMID: 38195389 PMCID: PMC10775630 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-023-04629-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
NAC transcription factors are widely distributed in the plant kingdom and play an important role in the response to various abiotic stresses in plant species. Tritipyrum, an octoploid derived from hybridization of Triticum aestivum (AABBDD) and Thinopyrum elongatum (EE), is an important genetic resource for integrating the desirable traits of Th. elongatum into wheat. In this study, we investigated the tissue distribution and expression of Tritipyrum NAC genes in the whole genomes of T. aestivum and Th. elongatum after obtaining their complete genome sequences. Based on phylogenetic relationships, conserved motifs, gene synthesis, evolutionary analysis, and expression patterns, we identified and characterized 732 Tritipyrum NAC genes. These genes were divided into six main groups (A, B, C, D, E, and G) based on phylogenetic relationships and evolutionary studies, with members of these groups sharing the same motif composition. The 732 TtNAC genes are widely distributed across 28 chromosomes and include 110 duplicated genes. Gene synthesis analysis indicated that the NAC gene family may have a common ancestor. Transcriptome data and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) expression profiles showed 68 TtNAC genes to be highly expressed in response to various salt stress and recovery treatments. Tel3E01T644900 (TtNAC477) was particularly sensitive to salt stress and belongs to the same clade as the salt tolerance genes ANAC019 and ANAC055 in Arabidopsis. Pearson correlation analysis identified 751 genes that correlated positively with expression of TtNAC477, and these genes are enriched in metabolic activities, cellular processes, stimulus responses, and biological regulation. TtNAC477 was found to be highly expressed in roots, stems, and leaves in response to salt stress, as confirmed by real-time PCR. These findings suggest that TtNAC477 is associated with salt tolerance in plants and might serve as a valuable exogenous gene for enhancing salt tolerance in wheat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojuan Liu
- Guizhou Subcenter of National Wheat Improvement Center, Key Laboratory of Molecular Breeding for Grain and Oil Crops in Guizhou Province, Agronomy College, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Guangyi Zhou
- Guizhou Subcenter of National Wheat Improvement Center, Key Laboratory of Molecular Breeding for Grain and Oil Crops in Guizhou Province, Agronomy College, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Songshu Chen
- Guizhou Subcenter of National Wheat Improvement Center, Key Laboratory of Molecular Breeding for Grain and Oil Crops in Guizhou Province, Agronomy College, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Zhenzhen Jia
- School of Life Sciences, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Suqin Zhang
- Guizhou Subcenter of National Wheat Improvement Center, Key Laboratory of Molecular Breeding for Grain and Oil Crops in Guizhou Province, Agronomy College, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Fang He
- Guizhou Subcenter of National Wheat Improvement Center, Key Laboratory of Molecular Breeding for Grain and Oil Crops in Guizhou Province, Agronomy College, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Mingjian Ren
- Guizhou Subcenter of National Wheat Improvement Center, Key Laboratory of Molecular Breeding for Grain and Oil Crops in Guizhou Province, Agronomy College, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China.
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Javed T, Gao SJ. WRKY transcription factors in plant defense. Trends Genet 2023; 39:787-801. [PMID: 37633768 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2023.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023]
Abstract
Environmental stressors caused by climate change are fundamental barriers to agricultural sustainability. Enhancing the stress resilience of crops is a key strategy in achieving global food security. Plants perceive adverse environmental conditions and initiate signaling pathways to activate precise responses that contribute to their survival. WRKY transcription factors (TFs) are essential players in several signaling cascades and regulatory networks that have crucial implications for defense responses in plants. This review summarizes advances in research concerning how WRKY TFs mediate various signaling cascades and metabolic adjustments as well as how epigenetic modifications involved in environmental stress responses in plants can modulate WRKYs and/or their downstream genes. Emerging research shows that clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein (Cas)-mediated genome editing of WRKYs could be used to improve crop resilience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Talha Javed
- National Engineering Research Center for Sugarcane, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - San-Ji Gao
- National Engineering Research Center for Sugarcane, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China.
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Genome-Wide Identification, Evolutionary and Functional Analyses of WRKY Family Members in Ginkgo biloba. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14020343. [PMID: 36833270 PMCID: PMC9956969 DOI: 10.3390/genes14020343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
WRKY transcription factors (TFs) are one of the largest families in plants which play essential roles in plant growth and stress response. Ginkgo biloba is a living fossil that has remained essentially unchanged for more than 200 million years, and now has become widespread worldwide due to the medicinal active ingredients in its leaves. Here, 37 WRKY genes were identified, which were distributed randomly in nine chromosomes of G. biloba. Results of the phylogenetic analysis indicated that the GbWRKY could be divided into three groups. Furthermore, the expression patterns of GbWRKY genes were analyzed. Gene expression profiling and qRT-PCR revealed that different members of GbWRKY have different spatiotemporal expression patterns in different abiotic stresses. Most of the GbWRKY genes can respond to UV-B radiation, drought, high temperature and salt treatment. Meanwhile, all GbWRKY members performed phylogenetic tree analyses with the WRKY proteins of other species which were known to be associated with abiotic stress. The result suggested that GbWRKY may play a crucial role in regulating multiple stress tolerances. Additionally, GbWRKY13 and GbWRKY37 were all located in the nucleus, while GbWRKY15 was located in the nucleus and cytomembrane.
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