Genome-Wide Identification and Characterization of the E2F/DP Transcription Factor Family in Triticum aestivum L.
Yang Yu, X. L. Wang, Y. R. Zhang, Teng Song, S. X. Zhang, X. K. Zhang, D. S. Chen
Abstract
E2F/dimerization partner (DP) transcription factors play essential roles in plant growth and development by regulating the cell cycle. To systematically identify and characterize the E2F/DP transcription factor family in common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), 27 wheat E2F/DP genes obtained from public database were classified into three subfamilies (Sub. I, Sub. II, and Sub. III) for in-depth analysis. The results showed that wheat E2F/DP genes in each subfamily exhibited similar gene and protein structure.The expression of E2F/DP genes was tissue-specific and responsive to various abiotic stresses. Subcellular localization revealed that TaDP2III-3, TaE2F3I-5, TaDP3III-15, and TaE2F1I-19 proteins were mainly located in both nucleus and cytoplasm, whereas TaDELII-27 was mainly found in nucleus. Transcription activity experiments showed TaE2F3I-5 and TaE2F1I-19 activated transcription, whereas TaDP2III-3, TaDP3III-15, and TaDEL2II-27 did not. The findings expand our knowledge of wheat E2F/DP transcription factor family and provide valuable information for improving the defense ability of wheat.