Frontiers in Genetics (Sep 2022)

Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of WRKY family genes under soft rot in Chinese cabbage

  • Jinghui Yan,
  • Jinghui Yan,
  • Xinle Yu,
  • Wei Ma,
  • Wei Ma,
  • Xiaoxue Sun,
  • Xiaoxue Sun,
  • Yunjia Ge,
  • Yunjia Ge,
  • Xiaonan Yue,
  • Xiaonan Yue,
  • Jing Han,
  • Jing Han,
  • Jianjun Zhao,
  • Jianjun Zhao,
  • Yin Lu,
  • Yin Lu,
  • Mengyang Liu,
  • Mengyang Liu

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fgene.2022.958769
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 13

Abstract

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Complex transcriptional networks regulate plant defense against pathogen attack, and plant transcription factors act as key regulators of the plant immune responses. The differences between transcription factor expression and regulation in Chinese cabbage soft rot (Pectobacterium carotovorum; Pc) have not been revealed. In this study, a total of 148 putative Chinese cabbage WRKY genes (BrWRKYs) were identified from the Chinese cabbage genome (v3.0). These genes were divided into seven subgroups (groups I, IIa–e, and III) based on phylogenomic analysis, with distinct motif compositions in each subgroup. Time-series RNA-seq was carried out to elucidate the dynamic expression patterns of the BrWRKYs on the resistant mutant (sr) and the susceptible wild-type (inbred WT) challenged by Pc. Transcriptional analysis showed that 48 WRKY transcription genes at 0–24 hpi were significantly upregulated in sr under soft rot stress. At the 12-h post-inoculation critical time point, we identified three specifically upregulated genes and two downregulated genes in the resistant mutant, which may provide potential applications for genetic improvement against soft rot. The findings improved our understanding of the WRKY-mediated soft rot stress response regulation in Chinese cabbage. The study thus lays a foundation for the genetic improvement of soft rot resistance.

Keywords