Genome-wide profiling of bZIP transcription factors in Camelina sativa: implications for development and stress response.

BACKGROUND: The bZIP transcription factor family, characterized by a bZIP domain, plays vital roles in plant stress responses and development. While this family has been extensively studied in various plant species, its specific functions in Camelina sativa (False Flax) remain underexplored. METHODS AND RESULTS: This study identified 71 bZIP transcription factors in C. sativa, classified into nine distinct groups based on phylogenetic analysis. Subcellular localization predicted a nucleus-specific expression for these bZIPs. Analysis of GRAVY scores revealed a range from 0.469 to -1.256, indicating a spectrum from hydrophobic to hydrophilic properties. Motif analysis uncovered 10 distinct motifs, with one motif being universally present in all CsbZIPs. Conserved domain analysis highlighted several domains beyond the core bZIP domain. Protein-protein interaction predictions suggested a robust network involving CsbZIPs. Moreover, promoter analysis revealed over 60 types of cis-elements, including those responsive to stress. Expression studies through RNA-seq and Real-time RT-qPCR demonstrated high expression of CsbZIPs in roots, leaves, flowers, and stems. Specifically, CsbZIP01, CsbZIP02, CsbZIP44, and CsbZIP60 were consistently up-regulated under cold, salt, and drought stresses, whereas CsbZIP34 and CsbZIP35 were down-regulated. CONCLUSION: This study presents the first comprehensive genome-wide profiling of bZIP transcription factors in Camelina sativa, providing novel insights into their roles in plant development and stress response mechanisms. By identifying and characterizing the bZIP gene family in C. sativa, this research offers new opportunities for improving stress tolerance and crop resilience through targeted genetic approaches, addressing key challenges in agriculture under changing environmental conditions.

Regulatory role of AGC genes in heat stress adaptation in maize (Zea mays).

Heat stress represents a significant environmental challenge that restricts maize (Zea mays ) growth and yield on a global scale. Within the plant kingdom, the AGC gene family, encoding a group of protein kinases, has emerged as crucial players in various stress responses. Nevertheless, a comprehensive understanding of AGC genes in Z. mays under heat-stress conditions remains elusive. A genome-wide analysis was done using bioinformatics techniques to identify 39 AGC genes in Z. mays , categorising them into three subfamilies based on their conserved domains. We investigated their phylogenetic relationships, gene structures (including intron-exon configurations), and expression patterns. These genes are likely involved in diverse signalling pathways, fulfilling distinct roles when exposed to heat stress conditions. Notably, most ZmAGC1.5, ZmAGC1.9, ZmNDR3, ZmNDR5 and ZmIRE3 exhibited significant changes in expression levels under heat stress, featuring a high G-box ratio. Furthermore, we pinpointed a subset of AGC genes displaying highly coordinated expression, implying their potential involvement in the heat stress response pathway. Our study offers valuable insights into the contribution of AGC genes to Z. mays 's heat stress response, thus facilitating the development of heat-tolerant Z. mays varieties.

Precision Genome Editing with CRISPR-Cas9.

The CRISPR/Cas9 system is a revolutionary technology for genome editing that allows for precise and efficient modifications of DNA sequences. The system is composed of two main components, the Cas9 enzyme and a guide RNA (gRNA). The gRNA is designed to specifically target a desired DNA sequence, while the Cas9 enzyme acts as molecular scissors to cut the DNA at that specific location. The cell then repairs the digested DNA, either through nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ) or homology-directed repair (HDR), resulting in either indels or precise modifications of DNA sequences with broad implications in biotechnology, agriculture, and medicine. This chapter provides a practical approach for utilizing CRISPR/Cas9 in precise genome editing, including identifying the target gene sequence, designing gRNA and protein (Cas9), and delivering the CRISPR components to target cells.