1
|
Yan X, Zhao J, Huang W, Liu C, Hao X, Gao C, Deng M, Wen J. Genome-Wide Identification of WRKY Transcription Factor Family in Chinese Rose and Response to Drought, Heat, and Salt Stress. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:800. [PMID: 38927736 PMCID: PMC11203230 DOI: 10.3390/genes15060800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The WRKY gene family is a key transcription factor family for plant development and the stress response. However, few studies have investigated the WRKY gene family in Chinese rose (Rosa chinensis). In this study, 68 RcWRKY genes were identified from the Chinese rose genome and classified into three primary groups and five subgroups based on the structural and phylogenetic characteristics. The analysis of the conserved domains, motifs, and gene structure revealed that the RcWRKY genes within the same group had the same exon-intron organization and composition. Chromosome mapping and gene duplication revealed that the RcWRKY genes were randomly dispersed across seven chromosomes. Fragment duplication and refined selection may have influenced the evolution of the WRKY gene family in Chinese rose. The cis-acting elements in the WRKY promoter region revealed that the RcWRKY genes contained numerous abiotic stress response elements. The results of qRT-PCR revealed that the expression of RcWRKY was tissue-specific, with high expression being observed under drought, heat, and salt stress. Notably, RcWRKY49's expression increased more than fivefold following salt stress, indicating that it is a crucial gene mediating the salt stress response of Chinese rose. These findings shed light on the regulatory role of RcWRKY in the growth and development of Chinese rose, and they serve as a foundation for future molecular breeding programs and gene discovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Yan
- Faculty of Architecture and City Planning, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650021, China; (X.Y.); (J.Z.); (C.L.); (X.H.); (C.G.)
| | - Jiahui Zhao
- Faculty of Architecture and City Planning, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650021, China; (X.Y.); (J.Z.); (C.L.); (X.H.); (C.G.)
| | - Wei Huang
- College of Agronomy and Life Sciences, Kunming University, Kunming 650021, China;
| | - Cheng Liu
- Faculty of Architecture and City Planning, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650021, China; (X.Y.); (J.Z.); (C.L.); (X.H.); (C.G.)
| | - Xuan Hao
- Faculty of Architecture and City Planning, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650021, China; (X.Y.); (J.Z.); (C.L.); (X.H.); (C.G.)
| | - Chengye Gao
- Faculty of Architecture and City Planning, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650021, China; (X.Y.); (J.Z.); (C.L.); (X.H.); (C.G.)
| | - Minghua Deng
- Key Laboratory of Vegetable Biology of Yunnan Province, College of Landscape and Horticulture, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China
| | - Jinfen Wen
- Faculty of Architecture and City Planning, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650021, China; (X.Y.); (J.Z.); (C.L.); (X.H.); (C.G.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Song X, Hou X, Zeng Y, Jia D, Li Q, Gu Y, Miao H. Genome-wide identification and comprehensive analysis of WRKY transcription factor family in safflower during drought stress. Sci Rep 2023; 13:16955. [PMID: 37805641 PMCID: PMC10560227 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-44340-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The WRKY family is an important family of transcription factors in plant development and stress response. Currently, there are few reports on the WRKY gene family in safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.). In this study, a total of 82 CtWRKY genes were identified from the safflower genome and could be classified into 3 major groups and 5 subgroups based on their structural and phylogenetic characteristics. The results of gene structure, conserved domain and motif analyses indicated that CtWRKYs within the same subfamily maintained a consistent exon/intron organization and composition. Chromosomal localization and gene duplication analysis results showed that CtWRKYs were randomly localized on 12 chromosomes and that fragment duplication and purification selection may have played an important role in the evolution of the WRKY gene family in safflower. Promoter cis-acting element analysis revealed that the CtWRKYs contain many abiotic stress response elements and hormone response elements. Transcriptome data and qRT-PCR analyses revealed that the expression of CtWRKYs showed tissue specificity and a strong response to drought stress. Notably, the expression level of the CtWRKY55 gene rapidly increased more than eightfold under drought treatment and rehydration, indicating that it may be a key gene in response to drought stress. These results provide useful insights for investigating the regulatory function of the CtWRKY gene in safflower growth and development, as well as identifying key genes for future molecular breeding programmes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xianming Song
- Economic Crop Research Institute, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Urumqi, 830091, China
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Genetic Engineering, College of Life Science & Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, 830046, China
| | - Xianfei Hou
- Economic Crop Research Institute, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Urumqi, 830091, China
| | - Youling Zeng
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Genetic Engineering, College of Life Science & Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, 830046, China.
| | - Donghai Jia
- Economic Crop Research Institute, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Urumqi, 830091, China.
| | - Qiang Li
- Economic Crop Research Institute, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Urumqi, 830091, China.
| | - Yuanguo Gu
- Economic Crop Research Institute, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Urumqi, 830091, China
| | - Haocui Miao
- Economic Crop Research Institute, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Urumqi, 830091, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ai P, Xue J, Shi Z, Liu Y, Li Z, Li T, Zhao W, Khan MA, Kang D, Wang K, Wang Z. Genome-wide characterization and expression analysis of MYB transcription factors in Chrysanthemum nankingense. BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2023; 23:140. [PMID: 36915063 PMCID: PMC10012607 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-023-04137-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chrysanthemum is a popular ornamental plant worldwide. MYB (v-myb avian myeloblastosis viral oncogene homolog) transcription factors play an important role in everything from stress resistance to plant growth and development. However, the MYB family of chrysanthemums has not been the subject of a detailed bioinformatics and expression investigation. RESULTS In this study, we examined 324 CnMYB transcription factors from Chrysanthemum nankingense genome data, which contained 122 Cn1R-MYB, 183 CnR2R3-MYB, 12 Cn3R-MYB, 2 Cn4R-MYB, and 5 atypical CnMYB. The protein motifs and classification of CnMYB transcription factors were analyzed. Among them, motifs 1, 2, 3, and 4 were found to encode the MYB DNA-binding domain in R2R3-MYB proteins, while in other-MYB proteins, the motifs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 encode the MYB DNA-binding domain. Among all CnMYBs, 44 genes were selected due to the presence of CpG islands, while methylation is detected in three genes, including CnMYB9, CnMYB152, and CnMYB219. We analyzed the expression levels of each CnMYB gene in ray floret, disc floret, flower bud, leaf, stem, and root tissues. Based on phylogenetic analysis and gene expression analysis, three genes appeared likely to control cellulose and lignin synthesis in stem tissue, and 16 genes appeared likely to regulate flowering time, anther, pollen development, and flower color. Fifty-one candidate genes that may be involved in stress response were identified through phylogenetic, stress-responseve motif of promoter, and qRT-PCR analyses. According to genes expression levels under stress conditions, six CnMYB genes (CnMYB9, CnMYB172, CnMYB186, CnMYB199, CnMYB219, and CnMYB152) were identified as key stress-responsive genes. CONCLUSIONS This research provides useful information for further functional analysis of the CnMYB gene family in chrysanthemums, as well as offers candidate genes for further study of cellulose and lignin synthesis, flowering traits, salt and drought stress mechanism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Penghui Ai
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Adaptation and Improvement, Plant Germplasm Resources and Genetic Laboratory, Kaifeng Key Laboratory of Chrysanthemum Biology, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Jinming Road, Kaifeng, 475004, Henan, China
| | - Jundong Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Adaptation and Improvement, Plant Germplasm Resources and Genetic Laboratory, Kaifeng Key Laboratory of Chrysanthemum Biology, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Jinming Road, Kaifeng, 475004, Henan, China
| | - Zhongya Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Adaptation and Improvement, Plant Germplasm Resources and Genetic Laboratory, Kaifeng Key Laboratory of Chrysanthemum Biology, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Jinming Road, Kaifeng, 475004, Henan, China
| | - Yuru Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Adaptation and Improvement, Plant Germplasm Resources and Genetic Laboratory, Kaifeng Key Laboratory of Chrysanthemum Biology, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Jinming Road, Kaifeng, 475004, Henan, China
| | - Zhongai Li
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Adaptation and Improvement, Plant Germplasm Resources and Genetic Laboratory, Kaifeng Key Laboratory of Chrysanthemum Biology, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Jinming Road, Kaifeng, 475004, Henan, China
| | - Tong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Adaptation and Improvement, Plant Germplasm Resources and Genetic Laboratory, Kaifeng Key Laboratory of Chrysanthemum Biology, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Jinming Road, Kaifeng, 475004, Henan, China
| | - Wenqian Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Adaptation and Improvement, Plant Germplasm Resources and Genetic Laboratory, Kaifeng Key Laboratory of Chrysanthemum Biology, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Jinming Road, Kaifeng, 475004, Henan, China
| | - Muhammad Ayoub Khan
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Adaptation and Improvement, Plant Germplasm Resources and Genetic Laboratory, Kaifeng Key Laboratory of Chrysanthemum Biology, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Jinming Road, Kaifeng, 475004, Henan, China
| | - Dongru Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Adaptation and Improvement, Plant Germplasm Resources and Genetic Laboratory, Kaifeng Key Laboratory of Chrysanthemum Biology, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Jinming Road, Kaifeng, 475004, Henan, China
| | - Kangxiang Wang
- Technology&Media University of Henan Kaifeng, Jinming Road, Kaifeng, 475004, Henan, China
| | - Zicheng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Adaptation and Improvement, Plant Germplasm Resources and Genetic Laboratory, Kaifeng Key Laboratory of Chrysanthemum Biology, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Jinming Road, Kaifeng, 475004, Henan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Wang N, Song G, Zhang F, Shu X, Cheng G, Zhuang W, Wang T, Li Y, Wang Z. Characterization of the WRKY Gene Family Related to Anthocyanin Biosynthesis and the Regulation Mechanism under Drought Stress and Methyl Jasmonate Treatment in Lycoris radiata. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032423. [PMID: 36768747 PMCID: PMC9917153 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Lycoris radiata, belonging to the Amaryllidaceae family, is a well-known Chinese traditional medicinal plant and susceptible to many stresses. WRKY proteins are one of the largest families of transcription factors (TFs) in plants and play significant functions in regulating physiological metabolisms and abiotic stress responses. The WRKY TF family has been identified and investigated in many medicinal plants, but its members and functions are not identified in L. radiata. In this study, a total of 31 L. radiata WRKY (LrWRKY) genes were identified based on the transcriptome-sequencing data. Next, the LrWRKYs were divided into three major clades (Group I-III) based on the WRKY domains. A motif analysis showed the members within same group shared a similar motif component, indicating a conservational function. Furthermore, subcellular localization analysis exhibited that most LrWRKYs were localized in the nucleus. The expression pattern of the LrWRKY genes differed across tissues and might be important for Lycoris growth and flower development. There were large differences among the LrWRKYs based on the transcriptional levels under drought stress and MeJA treatments. Moreover, a total of 18 anthocyanin components were characterized using an ultra-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-MS/MS) analysis and pelargonidin-3-O-glucoside-5-O-arabinoside as well as cyanidin-3-O-sambubioside were identified as the major anthocyanin aglycones responsible for the coloration of the red petals in L. radiata. We further established a gene-to-metabolite correlation network and identified LrWRKY3 and LrWRKY27 significant association with the accumulation of pelargonidin-3-O-glucoside-5-O-arabinoside in the Lycoris red petals. These results provide an important theoretical basis for further exploring the molecular basis and regulatory mechanism of WRKY TFs in anthocyanin biosynthesis and in response to drought stress and MeJA treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ning Wang
- Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences (Nanjing Botanical Garden Mem. Sun Yat-Sen), Nanjing 210014, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for the Research and Utilization of Plant Resources, Jiangsu Provincial Platform for Conservation and Utilization of Agricultural Germplasm, Nanjing 210014, China
| | - Guowei Song
- Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences (Nanjing Botanical Garden Mem. Sun Yat-Sen), Nanjing 210014, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for the Research and Utilization of Plant Resources, Jiangsu Provincial Platform for Conservation and Utilization of Agricultural Germplasm, Nanjing 210014, China
| | - Fengjiao Zhang
- Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences (Nanjing Botanical Garden Mem. Sun Yat-Sen), Nanjing 210014, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for the Research and Utilization of Plant Resources, Jiangsu Provincial Platform for Conservation and Utilization of Agricultural Germplasm, Nanjing 210014, China
| | - Xiaochun Shu
- Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences (Nanjing Botanical Garden Mem. Sun Yat-Sen), Nanjing 210014, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for the Research and Utilization of Plant Resources, Jiangsu Provincial Platform for Conservation and Utilization of Agricultural Germplasm, Nanjing 210014, China
| | - Guanghao Cheng
- Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences (Nanjing Botanical Garden Mem. Sun Yat-Sen), Nanjing 210014, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for the Research and Utilization of Plant Resources, Jiangsu Provincial Platform for Conservation and Utilization of Agricultural Germplasm, Nanjing 210014, China
| | - Weibing Zhuang
- Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences (Nanjing Botanical Garden Mem. Sun Yat-Sen), Nanjing 210014, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for the Research and Utilization of Plant Resources, Jiangsu Provincial Platform for Conservation and Utilization of Agricultural Germplasm, Nanjing 210014, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences (Nanjing Botanical Garden Mem. Sun Yat-Sen), Nanjing 210014, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for the Research and Utilization of Plant Resources, Jiangsu Provincial Platform for Conservation and Utilization of Agricultural Germplasm, Nanjing 210014, China
| | - Yuhang Li
- Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences (Nanjing Botanical Garden Mem. Sun Yat-Sen), Nanjing 210014, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for the Research and Utilization of Plant Resources, Jiangsu Provincial Platform for Conservation and Utilization of Agricultural Germplasm, Nanjing 210014, China
| | - Zhong Wang
- Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences (Nanjing Botanical Garden Mem. Sun Yat-Sen), Nanjing 210014, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for the Research and Utilization of Plant Resources, Jiangsu Provincial Platform for Conservation and Utilization of Agricultural Germplasm, Nanjing 210014, China
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Yu L, Hui C, Huang R, Wang D, Fei C, Guo C, Zhang J. Genome-wide identification, evolution and transcriptome analysis of GRAS gene family in Chinese chestnut ( Castanea mollissima). Front Genet 2023; 13:1080759. [PMID: 36685835 PMCID: PMC9845266 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.1080759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
GRAS transcription factors play an important role in regulating various biological processes in plant growth and development. However, their characterization and potential function are still vague in Chinese chestnut (Castanea mollissima), an important nut with rich nutrition and high economic value. In this study, 48 CmGRAS genes were identified in Chinese chestnut genome and phylogenetic analysis divided CmGRAS genes into nine subfamilies, and each of them has distinct conserved structure domain and features. Genomic organization revealed that CmGRAS tend to have a representative GRAS domain and fewer introns. Tandem duplication had the greatest contribution for the CmGRAS expansion based on the comparative genome analysis, and CmGRAS genes experienced strong purifying selection pressure based on the Ka/Ks. Gene expression analysis revealed some CmGRAS members with potential functions in bud development and ovule fertility. CmGRAS genes with more homologous relationships with reference species had more cis-acting elements and higher expression levels. Notably, the lack of DELLA domain in members of the DELLA subfamily may cause de functionalization, and the differences between the three-dimensional structures of them were exhibited. This comprehensive study provides theoretical and practical basis for future research on the evolution and function of GRAS gene family.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liyang Yu
- Engineering Research Center of Chestnut Industry Technology, Ministry of Education, Hebei Normal University of Science and Technology, Qinhuangdao, Hebei, China,Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center of Chestnut Industry, Qinhuangdao, Hebei, China
| | - Cai Hui
- The Office of Scientific Research, Hebei Normal University of Science and Technology, Qinhuangdao, Hebei, China
| | - Ruimin Huang
- Engineering Research Center of Chestnut Industry Technology, Ministry of Education, Hebei Normal University of Science and Technology, Qinhuangdao, Hebei, China,Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center of Chestnut Industry, Qinhuangdao, Hebei, China
| | - Dongsheng Wang
- Engineering Research Center of Chestnut Industry Technology, Ministry of Education, Hebei Normal University of Science and Technology, Qinhuangdao, Hebei, China,Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center of Chestnut Industry, Qinhuangdao, Hebei, China
| | - Cao Fei
- Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center of Chestnut Industry, Qinhuangdao, Hebei, China,Hebei Key Laboratory of Horticultural Germplasm Excavation and Innovative Utilization, Qinhuangdao, Hebei, China
| | - Chunlei Guo
- Engineering Research Center of Chestnut Industry Technology, Ministry of Education, Hebei Normal University of Science and Technology, Qinhuangdao, Hebei, China,Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center of Chestnut Industry, Qinhuangdao, Hebei, China
| | - Jingzheng Zhang
- Engineering Research Center of Chestnut Industry Technology, Ministry of Education, Hebei Normal University of Science and Technology, Qinhuangdao, Hebei, China,Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center of Chestnut Industry, Qinhuangdao, Hebei, China,Hebei Key Laboratory of Horticultural Germplasm Excavation and Innovative Utilization, Qinhuangdao, Hebei, China,*Correspondence: Jingzheng Zhang,
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Cross-Talk between Transcriptome Analysis and Dynamic Changes of Carbohydrates Identifies Stage-Specific Genes during the Flower Bud Differentiation Process of Chinese Cherry ( Prunus pseudocerasus L.). Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232415562. [PMID: 36555203 PMCID: PMC9778666 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232415562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Flower bud differentiation is crucial to reproductive success in plants. In the present study, RNA-Seq and nutrients quantification were used to identify the stage-specific genes for flower bud differentiation with buds which characterize the marked change during flower bud formation from a widely grown Chinese cherry (Prunus pseudocerasus L.) cultivar 'Manaohong'. A KEGG enrichment analysis revealed that the sugar metabolism pathways dynamically changed. The gradually decreasing trend in the contents of total sugar, soluble sugar and protein implies that the differentiation was an energy-consuming process. Changes in the contents of D-glucose and sorbitol were conformed with the gene expression trends of bglX and SORD, respectively, which at least partially reflects a key role of the two substances in the transition from physiological to morphological differentiation. Further, the WRKY and SBP families were also significantly differentially expressed during the vegetative-to-reproductive transition. In addition, floral meristem identity genes, e.g., AP1, AP3, PI, AGL6, SEP1, LFY, and UFO demonstrate involvement in the specification of the petal and stamen primordia, and FPF1 might promote the onset of morphological differentiation. Conclusively, the available evidence justifies the involvement of sugar metabolism in the flower bud differentiation of Chinese cherry, and the uncovered candidate genes are beneficial to further elucidate flower bud differentiation in cherries.
Collapse
|
7
|
Wei YL, Jin JP, Liang D, Gao J, Li J, Xie Q, Lu CQ, Yang FX, Zhu GF. Genome-wide identification of Cymbidium sinense WRKY gene family and the importance of its Group III members in response to abiotic stress. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:969010. [PMID: 35968117 PMCID: PMC9365948 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.969010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Transcription factors (TFs) of the WRKY family play pivotal roles in defense responses and secondary metabolism of plants. Although WRKY TFs are well documented in numerous plant species, no study has performed a genome-wide investigation of the WRKY gene family in Cymbidium sinense. In the present work, we found 64 C. sinense WRKY (CsWRKY) TFs, and they were further divided into eight subgroups. Chromosomal distribution of CsWRKYs revealed that the majority of these genes were localized on 16 chromosomes, especially on Chromosome 2. Syntenic analysis implied that 13 (20.31%) genes were derived from segmental duplication events, and 17 orthologous gene pairs were identified between Arabidopsis thaliana WRKY (AtWRKY) and CsWRKY genes. Moreover, 55 of the 64 CsWRKYs were detectable in different plant tissues in response to exposure to plant hormones. Among them, Group III members were strongly induced in response to various hormone treatments, indicating their potential essential roles in hormone signaling. We subsequently analyzed the function of CsWRKY18 in Group III. The CsWRKY18 was localized in the nucleus. The constitutive expression of CsWRKY18 in Arabidopsis led to enhanced sensitivity to ABA-mediated seed germination and root growth and elevated plant tolerance to abiotic stress within the ABA-dependent pathway. Overall, our study represented the first genome-wide characterization and functional analysis of WRKY TFs in C. sinense, which could provide useful clues about the evolution and functional description of CsWRKY genes.
Collapse
|