Identification and Analysis of the CBF Gene Family in Three Species of Acer under Cold Stress

Abstract

The C-Repeat Binding Factor (CBF) gene family has been identified and characterized in multiple plant species, and it plays a crucial role in responding to low temperatures. Presently, only a few studies on tree species demonstrate the mechanisms and potential functions of CBFs associated with cold resistance, while our study is a novel report on the multi-aspect differences of CBFs among three tree species, compared to previous studies. In this study, genome-wide identification and analysis of the CBF gene family in Acer truncatum, Acer pseudosieboldianum, and Acer yangbiense were performed. The results revealed that 16 CBF genes (five ApseCBFs, four AcyanCBFs, and seven AtruCBFs) were unevenly distributed across the chromosomes, and most CBF genes were mapped on chromosome 2 (Chr2) and chromosome 11 (Chr11). The analysis of phylogenetic relationships, gene structure, and conserved motif showed that 16 CBF genes could be clustered into three subgroups; they all contained Motif 1 and Motif 5, and most of them only spanned one exon. The cis-acting elements analysis showed that some CBF genes might be involved in hormone and abiotic stress responsiveness. In addition, CBF genes exhibited tissue expression specificity. High expressions of ApseCBF1, ApseCBF3, AtruCBF1, AtruCBF4, AtruCBF6, AtruCBF7, and ApseCBF3, ApseCBF4, ApseCBF5 were detected on exposure to low temperature for 3 h and 24 h. Low expressions of AtruCBF2, AtruCBF6, AtruCBF7 were detected under cold stress for 24 h, and AtruCBF3 and AtruCBF5 were always down-regulated under cold conditions. Taken together, comprehensive analysis will enhance our understanding of the potential functions of the CBF genes on cold resistance, thereby providing a reference for the introduction of Acer species in our country.

Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Analysis of the Walnut C-Repeat Binding Factor Gene Family under Low-Temperature Stress

“…In this study, JrCBF1 and JrCBF2 displayed an upregulation trend under low-temperature treatment, indicating their high sensitivity to cold stress and potential involvement in cold stress regulation, warranting further in-depth research. Moreover, only some JrCBF genes (JrCBF1, JrCBF2, JrCBF4, and JrCBF5) showed an upregulation trend after low-temperature treatment, a phenomenon consistent with studies on Brassica rapa [44], Acer truncatum, and Acer yangbiense [45]. However, it is worth noting that in other plants like cucumber [35], dandelion [46], and ryegrass [47], all CB F genes were highly expressed after cold treatment.…”

Genome-Wide Identification of the CBF Gene Family and ICE Transcription Factors in Walnuts and Expression Profiles under Cold Conditions

“…Differences in the molecular weight (16.68–90.91 kDa), number of amino acids (150–648), and isoelectric point (4.98–10.00) of walnut CBFs and ICEs indicate putative differences in the walnut genomes. All CBF and ICE TFs are primarily localized to the nucleus according to the subcellular localization prediction analysis, and similar results have been reported in other plants [ 8 , 9 , 10 ].…”

“…This is in contrast to the number of CBF family members in annual plants; for example, there are 4 in A. thaliana , 12 in Lolium perenne [ 48 ], 14 in lettuce [ 47 ], 32 in the biennial herb Brassica oleracea [ 54 ], and 24 in the perennial herbs Taraxacum kok [ 55 ]. In the perennial woody plants, there are some reports of the presence of CBF members in whole genomes; for instance, in three Acer species, a total of five, four, and seven CBFs were identified in Acer truncatum , Acer pseudosieboldianum , and Acer yangbiense , respectively [ 8 ]. There were few reports of ICE genes in the genome-wide identification of plants.…”

“…It is crucial that C-repeat binding factors/drought response element binding factor (CBFs/DREBs) pathways are upregulated for cold tolerance [ 5 , 6 , 7 ]. The CBF pathway responding to cold stress is found in numerous plants, such as Acer species [ 8 ], soybean [ 9 ], Gossypium [ 10 ], Malus baccata [ 11 ], tomato [ 12 ], and Betula platyphylla [ 13 ], etc. In plants, the ICE1-CBF-COR transcriptional cascade is the key regulation pathway for cold temperature [ 14 , 15 ].…”

Environmental Stress and Plants 2.0

“…This study sheds new light on the role of the JmAP2/ERF gene in cold stress response, paving the way for functional validation of JmAP2/ERF transcription factors and their application in the genetic improvement of Juglans and other tree species. Cold resistance is the focus of the paper of Zhao et al [9]. The C-Repeat Binding Factor (CBF) gene family has been identified and characterized in multiple plant species, and it plays an important role in responding to low temperatures.…”