Domain of unknown function (DUF) proteins constitute a great deal of families of functionally uncharacterized proteins in eukaryotes. The DUF966 gene family is found in monocotyledons, dicotyledons, mosses, and other species. However, little is known about the functions of DUF966 genes in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). In this study, we identified and characterized the TaDUF966 gene family members in wheat by in silico analysis. A total of 28 TaDUF966 proteins were identified in wheat. Phylogenetic analysis divided these proteins into two groups (Groups I and II). Proteins in each group showed a highly conserved DUF966 domain and conserved motif distribution, implying their functional conservation. Analysis of gene expression profiling data showed that some TaDUF966 genes were induced by salt stress. We further confirmed the role of TaDUF966-9B in salt stress using virus induced gene silencing (VIGS) assay. Compared with the empty vector control, the TaDUF966-9B knockdown plants exhibited severe leaf curling at 10 days post-inoculation with BSMV under salt stress, suggesting that TaDUF966 genes play a vital role in salt stress tolerance in wheat. Taken together, these results expand our knowledge of the evolution of the DUF966 gene family in wheat and promote the potential application of these genes in wheat genetic improvement.

Transcription factors (TFs) play fundamental roles in the developmental processes of all living organisms. Squamosa Promoter Binding Protein-like (SBP/SBP-Box) is a major family of plant-specific TFs, which plays important roles in multiple processes involving plant growth and development. While some work has been done, there is a lot more that is yet to be discovered in the hexaploid wheat SBP (TaSBP) family. With the completion of whole genome sequencing, genome-wide analysis of SBPs in common hexaploid wheat is now possible. In this study, we used protein–protein Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLASTp) to hunt the newly released reference genome sequence of hexaploid wheat (Chinese spring). Seventy-four TaSBP proteins (belonging to 56 genes) were identified and clustered into five groups. Gene structure and motif analysis indicated that most TaSBPs have relatively conserved exon–intron arrangements and motif composition. Analysis of transcriptional data showed that many TaSBP genes responded to some biological and abiotic stresses with different expression patterns. Moreover, three TaSBP genes were generally expressed in the majority of tissues throughout the wheat growth and also responded to many environmental biotic and abiotic stresses. Collectively, the detailed analyses presented here will help in understanding the roles of the TaSBP and also provide a reference for the further study of its biological function in wheat.

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Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) is a valuable crop which can produce multiple human beneficial secondary metabolites, for example, the anthocyanins in sprouts and flowers. However, as the predominant group of visible polyphenols in pigmentation, little is known about the molecular mechanisms underlying the anthocyanin biosynthesis within buckwheat. In this study, a comparative transcriptome analysis of green and red common buckwheat cultivars was carried out through RNA sequencing. Overall, 3727 and 5323 differently expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in flowers and cotyledons, respectively. Through GO and KEGG analysis, we revealed that DEGs in flowers and cotyledons are predominately involved in biosynthesis of anthocyanin. A total of 42 unigenes encoding 11 structural enzymes of the anthocyanin biosynthesis were identified as DEGs. We also identified some transcription factor families involved in the regulation of anthocyanin biosynthesis. Real-time qPCR validation of candidate genes was performed in flowers and cotyledons, and the results suggested that the high expression level of structural genes involved in anthocyanin biosynthetic pathway promotes anthocyanin accumulation. Our results provide the insight understanding for coloration of red common buckwheat.