Genome-wide characterization of the GRF family and their roles in response to salt stress in Gossypium

BMC Genomics

Jonathan F. Wendel¹  Corrinne E. Grover¹  Xia Liu²  Yu-Gao Zhang²  Zi-Shou Zheng³  Jin-Quan Huang³  Ling-Jian Wang³  Zhi-Wen Chen³  Xiao-Xia Shangguan³  Chao-Chen Huang³  Xiu-Fang Zhang³  Jun-Feng Cao³ 

[1] Department of Ecology, Evolution and Organismal Biology, Iowa State University;Esquel Group;National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics and National Center for Plant Gene Research, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology/CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences;

关键词: Growth regulating factor;    Cotton;    Phylogenetics;    Organ-specific expression;    Salt stress;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s12864-020-06986-0

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Abstract Background Cotton (Gossypium spp.) is the most important world-wide fiber crop but salt stress limits cotton production in coastal and other areas. Growth regulation factors (GRFs) play regulatory roles in response to salt stress, but their roles have not been studied in cotton under salt stress. Results We identified 19 GRF genes in G. raimondii, 18 in G. arboreum, 34 in G. hirsutum and 45 in G. barbadense, respectively. These GRF genes were phylogenetically analyzed leading to the recognition of seven GRF clades. GRF genes from diploid cottons (G. raimondii and G. arboreum) were largely retained in allopolyploid cotton, with subsequent gene expansion in G. barbadense relative to G. hirsutum. Most G. hirsutum GRF (GhGRF) genes are preferentially expressed in young and growing tissues. To explore their possible role in salt stress, we used qRT-PCR to study expression responses to NaCl treatment, showing that five GhGRF genes were down-regulated in leaves. RNA-seq experiments showed that seven GhGRF genes exhibited decreased expression in leaves under NaCl treatment, three of which (GhGRF3, GhGRF4, and GhGRF16) were identified by both RNA-seq and qRT-PCR. We also identified six and three GRF genes that exhibit decreased expression under salt stress in G. arboreum and G. barbadense, respectively. Consistent with its lack of leaf withering or yellowing under the salt treatment conditions, G. arboreum had better salt tolerance than G. hirsutum and G. barbadense. Our results suggest that GRF genes are involved in salt stress responses in Gossypium. Conclusion In summary, we identified candidate GRF genes that were involved in salt stress responses in cotton.

【 授权许可】

Unknown