Functional characterization of two almond C-repeat-binding factors involved in cold response
Pedro M Barros1, Nuno Gonçalves, Nelson J M Saibo
1Genomics of Plant Stress Laboratory, Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal.
Tree Physiology
|July 27, 2012
Summary
Researchers identified two almond genes, PdCBF1 and PdCBF2, involved in cold acclimation. These genes respond to low temperatures and other stresses, potentially influencing blooming time in fruit trees.
Area of Science:
- Plant Science
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Low temperatures significantly impact woody plant development and fruit tree crop production.
- Almond (Prunus dulcis Mill.) is a valuable model for studying low-temperature responses due to its genetic diversity and adaptability.
- Understanding cold acclimation mechanisms is crucial for improving crop resilience in changing climates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To clone and characterize two C-repeat-binding factor (CBF) genes, PdCBF1 and PdCBF2, in almond.
- To investigate the role of these genes in low-temperature sensing and cold acclimation.
- To explore the potential association of these genes with blooming time regulation.
Main Methods:
- Gene cloning and characterization (Southern blotting).
- Analysis of gene expression in response to low temperature, abscisic acid, and drought.
- Transactivation assays to determine DNA-binding activity.
- Bin mapping to correlate gene loci with quantitative trait loci (QTLs).
Main Results:
- Two almond CBF genes, PdCBF1 and PdCBF2, were identified and characterized.
- Transcription of PdCBF1 and PdCBF2 was rapidly induced by low temperature in almond shoots.
- These genes bind to dehydration-responsive element/C-repeat sequences and activate gene expression.
- Cold-induced expression of PdCBFs and a target gene (PdDehydrin1) showed diurnal patterns.
- PdCBF1 and PdCBF2 expression was also induced by abscisic acid and drought.
- Bin mapping suggested a correlation between PdCBFs/PdDHN1 and QTLs for blooming time.
Conclusions:
- PdCBF1 and PdCBF2 are involved in almond's cold acclimation response.
- These genes act as transcriptional activators in response to cold and other abiotic stresses.
- The diurnal expression pattern suggests a role in seasonal development.
- Further association studies are warranted to validate the role of PdCBFs in controlling blooming time in almond.
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