Genome-wide identification and characterization of NF-Y gene family in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.)
Abstract Background Nuclear factor Y (NF-Y) gene family consists of NF-YA, NF-YB and NF-YC subfamilies. Many members of NF-Y family have been involved in plant development processes, phytohormone signaling and tolerance to stresses in Arabidopsis and other plant species. However, little attention has been given in peanut. Results A total of 33 AhNF-Y genes (AhNF-Ys) were identified and distributed on 16 chromosomes. A phylogenetic analysis indicated that NF-Y genes prossessed highly conservatism in different plants. Gene duplication analyze indicated that only segmental duplication were detected. The abiotic stress-related regulatory elements analysis showed that AhNF-Ys, except for AhNF-YB6, contained at least one abiotic stress response element. With RNA-seq data, the tissue/organ-specific expression and differential expression profiling under salt stress were analyzed, indicating that six selected AhNF-Y gene may play potential roles in the regulation of salt stress response. qRT-PCR results suggested that these AhNF-Y genes also responded to osmotic, ABA (Abscisic Acid) and SA (Salicylic acid) stresses. Conclusions In this study, thirty three AhNF-Y genes were identified in cultivated peanut and the phylogeny, gene structures, motif composition, chromosomal location, gene duplication, stress-related regulatory elements, and expression patterns were also examined. These results may contribute to functional characterization of AhNF-Y genes in further research.