Genome-wide identification and analysis of bZIP gene family reveal their roles during development and drought stress in Wheel Wingnut (Cyclocarya paliurus)

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundThebZIPgene family has important roles in various biological processes, including development and stress responses. However, little information about this gene family is available for Wheel Wingnut (Cyclocarya paliurus). ResultsIn this study, we identified 58bZIPgenes in theC. paliurusgenome and analyzed phylogenetic relationships, chromosomal locations, gene structure, collinearity, and gene expression profiles. The 58bZIPgenes could be divided into 11 groups and were unevenly distributed among 16C. paliuruschromosomes. An analysis of cis-regulatory elements indicated thatbZIPpromoters were associated with phytohormones and stress responses. The expression patterns ofbZIPgenes in leaves differed among developmental stages. In addition, severalbZIPmembers were differentially expressed under drought stress. These expression patterns were verified by RT-qPCR.ConclusionsOur results provide insights into the evolutionary history of thebZIPgene family inC. paliurusand the function of these genes during leaf development and in the response to drought stress. In addition to basic genomic information, our results provide a theoretical basis for further studies aimed at improving growth and stress resistance inC. paliurus,an important medicinal plant.