Genome-Wide Identification and Analysis of GRAS Transcription Factors in Nicotiana benthamiana

Strategic Insights -

Researchers from Zhejiang Agriculture and Forestry University have conducted a comprehensive study on the GRAS transcription factor gene family in Nicotiana benthamiana, a plant species commonly used in genetics research. The study, funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Scientific Research Foundation of Zhejiang Agriculture And Forestry University, aimed to understand the evolution and functions of the GRAS gene family in response to environmental stresses. The findings provide new insights into the regulation of plant growth and defense mechanisms.

Key Takeaways:

  • The GRAS gene family in Nicotiana benthamiana consists of 40 segmental duplication pairs, with a relatively weak codon usage bias shaped by mutational and selective pressures.
  • Phylogenetic analysis revealed that all identified NbGRASs were classified into eight different subfamilies, with tissue-specific expression patterns observed in leaves and roots.
  • The expression of NbGRASs was significantly changed under viral stress, suggesting that these transcription factors can be involved in the plant's antiviral response.
  • Gene duplication analysis revealed that segmental duplication was the main driving force for the expansion of the NbGRAS gene family.
  • The identification of a relatively weak codon usage bias suggests that the GRAS gene family has evolved to optimize expression in different tissues and environments.

Statistics:

  • The GRAS gene family in Nicotiana benthamiana consists of 40 segmental duplication pairs.
  • Phylogenetic analysis revealed that all identified NbGRASs were classified into eight different subfamilies.
  • Gene duplication analysis revealed that segmental duplication was the main driving force for the expansion of the NbGRAS gene family, with a total of 40 segmental duplication pairs identified.
  • The expression of NbGRASs was significantly changed under viral stress, with a 30% difference in expression levels observed in infected plants compared to controls.

Sources:

  • Genome-Wide Identification, Evolution and Expression Analysis of * * GRAS* * Transcription Factor Gene Family Under Viral Stress in * * Nicotiana benthamiana* *. Plants, 2025,14(15):2295.
  • National Natural Science Foundation of China
  • Scientific Research Foundation of Zhejiang Agriculture And Forestry University
  • Zhejiang Agriculture and Forestry University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China