Genome-wide identification, characterization, and expression analysis of CCT transcription factors in poplar

Hao Chen; Shuwen Zhang; Kang Du; Xiangyang Kang

doi:10.1016/j.plaphy.2023.108101

Genome-wide identification, characterization, and expression analysis of CCT transcription factors in poplar

Plant Physiol Biochem. 2023 Nov:204:108101. doi: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2023.108101. Epub 2023 Oct 14.

Authors

Hao Chen¹, Shuwen Zhang¹, Kang Du¹, Xiangyang Kang²

Affiliations

¹ National Key Laboratory of Forest Tree Genetics and Breeding, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China; National Engineering Research Center of Tree Breeding and Ecological Restoration, College of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China; Key Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding in Forest Trees and Ornamental Plants, Ministry of Education, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China.
² National Key Laboratory of Forest Tree Genetics and Breeding, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China; National Engineering Research Center of Tree Breeding and Ecological Restoration, College of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China; Key Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding in Forest Trees and Ornamental Plants, Ministry of Education, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China. Electronic address: kangxy@bjfu.edu.cn.

PMID: 37922648
DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2023.108101

Abstract

The CCT [CONSTANS (CO), CO-like, and TIMING OF CAB EXPRESSION1 (TOC1)] gene family is involved in photoperiodic flowering and adaptation to different environments. In this study, 39 CCT family genes from the poplar genome were identified and characterized, including 18 COL, 7 PRR, and 14 CMF TFs. Phylogenetics analysis showed that the PtrCCT gene family could be classified into five classes (Classes I-V) that have close relationships with Arabidopsis thaliana. Eight pairs of PtrCCTs had collinear relationships through interchromosomal synteny analysis in poplar, suggesting segmental duplication played a vital role in the expansion of the poplar CCT gene family. Besides, synteny analyses of the CCT members among poplar and different species provided more clues for PtrCCT gene family evolution. Cis-acting elements in the promoters of PtrCCTs predicted their involvement in light responses, hormone responses, biotic/abiotic stress responses, and plant growth and development. Eight members of the PpnCCT gene family were differentially expressed in the apical buds and leaves of triploid poplar compared to diploids. We then focused on PpnCCT39 upregulated in triploid poplars and showed that PpnCCT39 was localized in the nucleus, chloroplast, and cytoplasm and could interact with CLPP1 in the chloroplast. Overexpression of PpnCCT39 in poplar increased chlorophyll contents and enhanced photosynthetic rate. This study provided comprehensive information for the CCT gene family and set up a basis for its function identification in poplar.

Keywords: CCT gene family; Photosynthesis; Poplar; PpnCCT39; Triploid.

MeSH terms

Gene Expression Regulation, Plant / genetics
Genome, Plant* / genetics
Multigene Family
Phylogeny
Plant Proteins / genetics
Plant Proteins / metabolism
Promoter Regions, Genetic
Transcription Factors* / genetics
Triploidy

Substances

Transcription Factors
Plant Proteins