Genome-wide analysis of C2H2 zinc finger gene family and its response to drought stress in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

The C2H2 zinc finger protein (C2H2-ZFP) family of transcription factors is one of the most significant in higher plants. A total of 121 PvC2H2-ZFP genes were identified, and they were distributed on all 11 chromosomes of the common bean genome. The promoter region's cis-element analysis revealed that PvC2H2-ZFPs included cis-elements associated with plant hormones and abiotic stress. RNA-seq research revealed the presence of 116 PvC2H2-ZFPs in 11 organs. Some of these genes showed specific expression in roots, leaves, and flowers. Transcriptome analysis showed that 9 and 11 PvC2H2-ZFP genes were differentially expressed at 24 h and 48 h under drought treatment. In addition, we performed quantitative reverse-transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) to examine the expression patterns of 8 PvC2H2-ZFP genes that were differently expressed under drought treatment. The qRT-PCR data showed that Phvul.005G130300 had the strongest correlation (R = 0.929, P = 0.0001) and was up-regulated under drought treatment. Furthermore, its expression level at 48 h under drought treatment was about 6 times that of the control, indicating that it played an important role in the response of common bean to drought treatment. In this work, PvC2H2-ZFP genes and their possible function in common bean were comprehensively described. Our findings shed light on the C2H2-ZFP genes in common bean and give gene resources for further research into the molecular basis of drought resistance in common bean.