Scholarlink

<p>WHIRLY (WHY) transcription factors are plant-specific DNA-binding proteins implicated in diverse biological processes, including organelle genome stability, development, and abiotic stress responses. However, the <i>WHY</i> gene family has not been comprehensively characterized in cotton. In this study, we identified 12 <i>WHY</i> genes across four <i>Gossypium</i> species (<i>G. hirsutum</i>, <i>G. barbadense</i>, <i>G. arboreum</i>, and <i>G. raimondii</i>), with conserved gene numbers reflecting whole-genome duplication events. Phylogenetic and structural analyses classified these genes into two major subfamilies (WHY1-like and WHY2-like), exhibiting conserved exon–intron structures and subgroup-specific motif compositions. Promoter cis-element analysis revealed distinct enrichment patterns related to stress, hormones, and light responsiveness, suggesting differential regulatory potentials. Expression profiling showed spatiotemporal divergence among <i>WHY</i> members; notably, <i>GhWHY1-D</i> was significantly downregulated under drought and salt stress. Virus-induced gene silencing of <i>GhWHY1-D</i> led to enhanced salt and drought tolerance, characterized by increased antioxidant enzyme activities, reduced ROS accumulation, and improved osmotic regulation. Protein–protein interaction predictions and 3D structural modeling further supported functional divergence between WHY1 and WHY2 subfamilies. Together, these findings provide the first integrative evolutionary and functional overview of the <i>WHY</i> gene family in cotton and identify <i>GhWHY1-D</i> as a key negative regulator of abiotic stress tolerance, with potential application in stress-resilient cotton breeding.</p>

错误：搜索内容不能为空，请输入英文关键词
错误：关键词超出字数限制，请精简
高级检索

Genome-wide characterization of WHIRLY genes in cotton identifies GhWHY1-D as a negative regulator of salt and drought stress responses

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年8月12日

查看全文
  • Shichang He,
  • Huijian Sun,
  • Yuguo Li,
  • Qing Chen,
  • Julan Yang,
  • Fei Xiao

摘要

WHIRLY (WHY) transcription factors are plant-specific DNA-binding proteins implicated in diverse biological processes, including organelle genome stability, development, and abiotic stress responses. However, the WHY gene family has not been comprehensively characterized in cotton. In this study, we identified 12 WHY genes across four Gossypium species (G. hirsutum, G. barbadense, G. arboreum, and G. raimondii), with conserved gene numbers reflecting whole-genome duplication events. Phylogenetic and structural analyses classified these genes into two major subfamilies (WHY1-like and WHY2-like), exhibiting conserved exon–intron structures and subgroup-specific motif compositions. Promoter cis-element analysis revealed distinct enrichment patterns related to stress, hormones, and light responsiveness, suggesting differential regulatory potentials. Expression profiling showed spatiotemporal divergence among WHY members; notably, GhWHY1-D was significantly downregulated under drought and salt stress. Virus-induced gene silencing of GhWHY1-D led to enhanced salt and drought tolerance, characterized by increased antioxidant enzyme activities, reduced ROS accumulation, and improved osmotic regulation. Protein–protein interaction predictions and 3D structural modeling further supported functional divergence between WHY1 and WHY2 subfamilies. Together, these findings provide the first integrative evolutionary and functional overview of the WHY gene family in cotton and identify GhWHY1-D as a key negative regulator of abiotic stress tolerance, with potential application in stress-resilient cotton breeding.