Expression Profiling of the 56 R2R3-MYB Family Genes in Response to Cold, Drought, and Salt Stress in Blue Honeysuckle (Lonicera caerulea L.)

MYB transcription factors play a crucial role in plant stress responses, particularly in regulating abiotic stresses such as cold, drought, and salinity. In this study, we investigated the expression profiles of 56 MYB family genes in different tissues of blue honeysuckle (Lonicera caerulea L.) by qRT-PCR. Then, we analyzed the expression patterns of 56 MYB family genes under cold, drought, and salt stress treatments at different time points and examined their correlation with key stress-related genes. The results revealed that a total of 10, 4, 12, 3, 9, and 18 MYB genes were highly expressed in the roots, stems, leaves, flowers, buds, and fruits of blue honeysuckle, respectively. After cold stress treatment, 18 MYB genes showed a significantly positive correlation with CBF cold response pathway genes. After drought stress treatment, 4 MYB genes exhibited a notably positive correlation with drought stress key genes. After salt stress treatment, 34 MYB genes exhibited a notably positive correlation with salt stress key genes. These findings suggest a potential role of MYB family genes in responding to cold, drought, and salt stress in blue honeysuckle.