Transcriptome-based mining and expression profiling of Pythium responsive transcription factors in Zingiber sp

Area of Science:

• Plant Science
• Molecular Biology
• Genomics

Background:

• Transcription factors (TFs) are crucial regulators of plant defense responses.
• Limited knowledge exists regarding Zingiber zerumbet (Zz) TFs and their role in combating Pythium myriotylum infections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To globally identify, characterize, and profile the temporal expression of Zz TFs during an incompatible interaction with P. myriotylum.
• To elucidate the role of Zz TFs in the plant's defense transcriptome.

Main Methods:

• Transcriptome sequencing was employed to analyze Zz-P. myriotylum interactions.
• Bioinformatic analyses were used for TF identification, characterization, and evolutionary clustering.
• High-throughput expression array analysis was conducted for temporal expression profiling.

Main Results:

• A total of 903 TFs from 96 families were identified in Zz.
• Evolutionary analysis revealed phylogenetic relationships and functional diversity among Zz TFs.
• Differential expression analysis highlighted the involvement of TFs in cell wall fortification, lignin biosynthesis, and hormone crosstalk (SA/JA).

Conclusions:

• The identified Zz TFs play a significant role in the host defense transcriptome against P. myriotylum.
• TF-mediated regulation of cell wall fortification and hormone signaling is critical for restricting pathogen proliferation.
• This study provides a foundational resource for understanding Zz TF evolution and function in plant defense.