Vascular plant one-zinc finger transcription factors: exploration of characteristic features, expression, coexpression and interaction suggested their diverse role in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Vascular plant one-zinc-finger (VOZ) transcription factors play indispensable roles in orchestrating growth and stress responses in plants. These plant-specific regulators are integral to important biological processes such as flowering. Despite being a vital regulator of numerous biological processes, significant information about their role is not available. Herein, we identified and characterized six TaVOZ genes in T. aestivum by genome-wide investigation, which are phylogenetically clustered into two groups. They consist of conserved gene and protein architecture with two important domains (A and B). The occurrence of assorted cis-regulatory elements related to growth and stress response and their interaction with various transcription factors revealed the possible involvement of TaVOZ genes in numerous biological processes. Tissue-specific differential expression of a few TaVOZ genes divulged their role during plant developmental processes. Additionally, the modulated expression of TaVOZ2-3B gene during heat, drought, salinity and fungal infestations unveiled their involvement in stress response. The interaction analyses identified other vital components in the intricate network of TaVOZ-mediated stress signaling. This study provides inclusive knowledge and significance of TaVOZ genes for future crop improvement programs.