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Gao Y, Zhu L, An M, Wang Y, Li S, Dong Y, Yang S, Shi K, Fan S, Chen X, Ren H, Liu X. Zinc Finger-Homeodomain Transcriptional Factors (ZHDs) in Cucumber ( Cucumis sativus L.): Identification, Evolution, Expression Profiles, and Function under Abiotic Stresses. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4408. [PMID: 38673993 PMCID: PMC11050092 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25084408] [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: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) is a globally prevalent and extensively cultivated vegetable whose yield is significantly influenced by various abiotic stresses, including drought, heat, and salinity. Transcription factors, such as zinc finger-homeodomain proteins (ZHDs), a plant-specific subgroup of Homeobox, play a crucial regulatory role in stress resistance. In this study, we identified 13 CsZHDs distributed across all six cucumber chromosomes except chromosome 7. Phylogenetic analysis classified these genes into five clades (ZHDI-IV and MIF) with different gene structures but similar conserved motifs. Collinearity analysis revealed that members of clades ZHD III, IV, and MIF experienced amplification through segmental duplication events. Additionally, a closer evolutionary relationship was observed between the ZHDs in Cucumis sativus (C. sativus) and Arabidopsis thaliana (A. thaliana) compared to Oryza sativa (O. sativa). Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis demonstrated the general expression of CsZHD genes across all tissues, with notable expression in leaf and flower buds. Moreover, most of the CsZHDs, particularly CsZHD9-11, exhibited varying responses to drought, heat, and salt stresses. Virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) experiments highlighted the potential functions of CsZHD9 and CsZHD10, suggesting their positive regulation of stomatal movement and responsiveness to drought stress. In summary, these findings provide a valuable resource for future analysis of potential mechanisms underlying CsZHD genes in response to stresses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiming Gao
- Department of Vegetable Science, College of Horticulture, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Liyan Zhu
- Department of Vegetable Science, College of Horticulture, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Menghang An
- Department of Vegetable Science, College of Horticulture, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yaru Wang
- Sanya Institute of China Agricultural University, Sanya 572025, China
| | - Sen Li
- Department of Vegetable Science, College of Horticulture, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yuming Dong
- Department of Vegetable Science, College of Horticulture, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Songlin Yang
- Department of Vegetable Science, College of Horticulture, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Kexin Shi
- Department of Vegetable Science, College of Horticulture, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Shanshan Fan
- Department of Vegetable Science, College of Horticulture, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xiaofeng Chen
- College of Ocean and Agricultural Engineering, Yantai Institute of China Agricultural University, Yantai 264670, China
| | - Huazhong Ren
- Department of Vegetable Science, College of Horticulture, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
- Sanya Institute of China Agricultural University, Sanya 572025, China
| | - Xingwang Liu
- Department of Vegetable Science, College of Horticulture, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
- Sanya Institute of China Agricultural University, Sanya 572025, China
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Qin X, Li Y, Li C, Li X, Wu Y, Wu Q, Wen H, Jiang D, Liu S, Nan W, Liang Y, Zhang H. A Rapid and Simplified Method to Isolate Specific Regulators Based on Biotin-Avidin Binding Affinities in Crops. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2024; 72:883-893. [PMID: 38118073 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c05638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2023]
Abstract
Transcription factors (TFs) are indispensable components of transcriptional regulatory pathways involved in crop growth and development. Herein, we developed a new method for the identification of upstream TFs specific to genes in crops based on the binding affinities of biotin and avidin. First, we constructed and verified the new biotin and avidin system (BAS) by a coprecipitation assay. Subsequently, the feasibility of DNA-based BAS (DBAS) was further proved by in vivo and in vitro assays. Furthermore, we cloned the promoter of rice OsNRT1.1B and the possible regulators were screened and identified. Additionally, partial candidates were validated by the electrophoresis mobility shift assay (EMSA), yeast one-hybrid, and luciferase activity assays. Remarkably, the results showed that the candidates PIP3 and PIP19 both responded to nitrate immediately and overexpression of PIP3 caused retard growth, which indicates that the candidates are functional and the new DBAS method is useful to isolate regulators in crops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojian Qin
- College of Life Sciences, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 401331, China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Plants Environmental Adaptations, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Yuntong Li
- College of Life Sciences, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Cuiping Li
- College of Life Sciences, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Xiaowei Li
- College of Life Sciences, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Yuanyuan Wu
- College of Life Sciences, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Qian Wu
- College of Life Sciences, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Huan Wen
- College of Life Sciences, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Dan Jiang
- College of Life Sciences, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Shifeng Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Wenbin Nan
- College of Life Sciences, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 401331, China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Plants Environmental Adaptations, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Yongshu Liang
- College of Life Sciences, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 401331, China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Plants Environmental Adaptations, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Hanma Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 401331, China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Plants Environmental Adaptations, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 401331, China
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Farooq M, Ahmad R, Shahzad M, Rehman SU, Sajjad Y, Hassan A, Shah MM, Afroz A, Khan SA. Real-time expression and in silico characterization of pea genes involved in salt and water-deficit stress. Mol Biol Rep 2023; 51:18. [PMID: 38099977 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-09064-2] [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: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To tolerate salt and water-deficit stress, the plant adapts to the adverse environment by regulating its metabolism and expressing certain stress-induced metabolic pathways. This research analyzed the relative expression of four pea genes (P5CR, PAL1, SOD, and POX) in three pea varieties (Climax, Green grass, and Meteor) under different levels of salt and water-deficit stress. METHODS AND RESULTS The experiments on salt stress and water-deficit stress were carried out within greenhouse settings under controlled environment. The saturation percentage was employed to create artificial salinity conditions: Control without NaCl treatment, Treatment 1: 50 mM NaCl treatment, Treatment 2: 75 mM NaCl treatment, and Treatment 3: 100 mM NaCl treatment. Field capacity (FC) was used for the development of artificial water-deficit treatments in the pots, i.e., Treatment 1 (Control; water application 100% of FC), Treatment 2 (water application 75% of FC), and Treatment 3 (water application 50% of FC). Pea genes involved in biosynthetic pathways of proline, flavonoids, and enzymatic antioxidant enzymes including P5CR, PAL1, SOD, and POX were selected based on literature. Quantitative real-time PCR using cDNA as a template was used to analyze the gene expression. Pea genes were analyzed for phylogenetic analysis in closely related crops having similarity percent identity 80% and above. In silico characterization of selected proteins including the family classification was done by the NCBI CDD and INTERPRO online servers. Results from RT-qPCR analysis showed increased expression of P5CR, PAL1, and POX genes, while SOD gene expression decreased under both stresses. Climax exhibited superior stress tolerance with elevated expression of P5CR and PAL1, while Meteor showed better tolerance through increased POX expression. Phylogenetic analysis revealed common ancestry with other species like chickpea, red clover, mung bean, and barrel clover, suggesting the cross relationship among these plant species. Conserved domain analysis of respective proteins revealed that these proteins contain PLNO 2688, PLN02457, Cu-Zn Superoxide dismutase, and secretory peroxidase conserved domains. Furthermore, protein family classification indicated that the oxidation-reduction process is the most common chemical process involved in these stresses given to pea plant which validates the relationship of these proteins. CONCLUSIONS Salt and water-deficit stresses trigger distinct metabolic pathways, leading to the up-regulation of specific genes and the synthesis of corresponding proteins. These findings further emphasize the conservation of stress-tolerance-related genes and proteins across various plant species. This knowledge enhances our understanding of plant adaptation to stress and offers opportunities for developing strategies to improve stress resilience in crops, thereby addressing global food security challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Farooq
- Department of Biotechnology, COMSATS University Islamabad, Abbottabad Campus, University Road, Abbottabad, 22060, Pakistan
| | - Rafiq Ahmad
- Department of Biotechnology, COMSATS University Islamabad, Abbottabad Campus, University Road, Abbottabad, 22060, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Shahzad
- Department of Environmental Sciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Abbottabad Campus, University Road, Abbottabad, 22060, Pakistan
| | - Saad Ur Rehman
- Department of Bioinformatics, Government Postgraduate College, Mandian, Abbottabad, Pakistan
| | - Yasar Sajjad
- Department of Biotechnology, COMSATS University Islamabad, Abbottabad Campus, University Road, Abbottabad, 22060, Pakistan
| | - Amjad Hassan
- Department of Biotechnology, COMSATS University Islamabad, Abbottabad Campus, University Road, Abbottabad, 22060, Pakistan
| | - Mohammad Maroof Shah
- Department of Biotechnology, COMSATS University Islamabad, Abbottabad Campus, University Road, Abbottabad, 22060, Pakistan
| | - Amber Afroz
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Gujrat, Gujrat, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Sabaz Ali Khan
- Department of Biotechnology, COMSATS University Islamabad, Abbottabad Campus, University Road, Abbottabad, 22060, Pakistan.
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Islam MAU, Nupur JA, Shafiq M, Ali Q, Sami A, Shahid MA. In silico and computational analysis of zinc finger motif-associated homeodomain (ZF-HD) family genes in chilli (Capsicum annuum L). BMC Genomics 2023; 24:603. [PMID: 37821819 PMCID: PMC10566081 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09682-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Zinc finger-homeodomain (ZHD) proteins are mostly expressed in plants and are involved in proper growth and development and minimizing biotic and abiotic stress. A recent study identified and characterized the ZHD gene family in chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) to determine their probable molecular function. ZHD genes with various physicochemical characteristics were discovered on twelve chromosomes in chilli. We separated ZHD proteins into two major groups using sequence alignment and phylogenetic analysis. These groups differ in gene structure, motif distribution, and a conserved ZHD and micro-zinc finger ZF domain. The majority of the CaZHDs genes are preserved, early duplication occurred recently, and significant pure selection took place throughout evolution, according to evolutionary study. According to expression profiling, the genes were found to be equally expressed in tissues above the ground, contribute to plant growth and development and provide tolerance to biotic and abiotic stress. This in silico analysis, taken as a whole, hypothesized that these genes perform distinct roles in molecular and phytohormone signaling processes, which may serve as a foundation for subsequent research into the roles of these genes in other crops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Abir Ul Islam
- United Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Gifu University, Yanagido, Gifu, 501-1193, Japan
| | - Juthy Abedin Nupur
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Muhammad Shafiq
- Department of Horticulture, University of Panjab, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan.
| | - Qurban Ali
- Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of the Punjab, P.O BOX. 54590, Lahore, Pakistan.
| | - Adnan Sami
- Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of the Punjab, P.O BOX. 54590, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Adnan Shahid
- Horticultural Science Department, North Florida Research and Education Center, University of Florida/IFAS, Quincy, FL, USA
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