Genome-wide identification and characterization of SnRK2 gene family in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)

Abstract

BackgroundSucrose non-fermenting-1-related protein kinase 2 (SnRK2) is a plant-specific serine/threonine kinase family involved in the abscisic acid (ABA) signaling pathway and responds to osmotic stress. A genome-wide analysis of this protein family has been conducted previously in some plant species, but little is known about SnRK2 genes in upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.). The recent release of the G. hirsutum genome sequence provides an opportunity to identify and characterize the SnRK2 kinase family in upland cotton.ResultsWe identified 20 putative SnRK2 sequences in the G. hirsutum genome, designated as GhSnRK2.1 to GhSnRK2.20. All of the sequences encoded hydrophilic proteins. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the GhSnRK2 genes were classifiable into three groups. The chromosomal location and phylogenetic analysis of the cotton SnRK2 genes indicated that segmental duplication likely contributed to the diversification and evolution of the genes. The gene structure and motif composition of the cotton SnRK2 genes were analyzed. Nine exons were conserved in length among all members of the GhSnRK2 family. Although the C-terminus was divergent, seven conserved motifs were present. All GhSnRK2s genes showed expression patterns under abiotic stress based on transcriptome data. The expression profiles of five selected genes were verified in various tissues by quantitative real-time RT-PCR (qRT-PCR). Transcript levels of some family members were up-regulated in response to drought, salinity or ABA treatments, consistent with potential roles in response to abiotic stress.ConclusionsThis study is the first comprehensive analysis of SnRK2 genes in upland cotton. Our results provide the fundamental information for the functional dissection of GhSnRK2s and vital availability for the improvement of plant stress tolerance using GhSnRK2s.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12863-017-0517-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Transcriptome Profiling, Biochemical and Physiological Analyses Provide New Insights towards Drought Tolerance in Nicotiana tabacum L.

“…In our findings, the SnRK2 genes showed variation in their expression, as some genes were upregulated, while some genes were downregulated. This is in line with [85], which indicated its conserved as well as diverse roles in response to drought stress. The upregulation of the SnRK2 genes signifies its role in stomata movements as its physical interaction with K + channels (KAT1), anion channels (SLAC1) and NADPH oxidases [86] under drought stress.…”

Genome-Wide Analysis of the Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Family in Soybean and Functional Identification of GmG6PDH2 Involvement in Salt Stress

“…In addition to regulating plant growth, the key functions of plant G6PDHs in stress-response mechanisms have also been widely proven (Esposito, 2016). The promoter regions of the GmG6PDHs contained lots of cis-acting elements that possibly participated in plant responses to drought and salt stresses, such as MBS, ABRE, ARE, and TCA-elements (Figure 3) (Liu et al, 2017). By qRT-PCR and enzyme activity assays, we further examined the physiological and transcriptional responses of GmG6PDHs to different stress conditions, including salt, alkali and osmotic, and significant induction in GmG6PDHs was observed under the above treatments, especially under salt stress (Figures 6, 7).…”

Characterization of the Gh4CL gene family reveals a role of Gh4CL7 in drought tolerance

“…Cis-elements located in the promoter region of genes play key roles in the developmental and environmental regulation of gene expression [33]. According to cis-element analysis, the promoter regions of Gh4CL genes possess elements related to stress responses, such as ABRE, TC-rich, LTR, MBS, TGA-element, TCA-element, CGTCA-motif and TGACG-motif [34][35][36], suggesting a potential role of the Gh4CL genes with these cis-element(s) in regulationof stresses, such as drought, salt, heat, ABA, and low temperature.…”