Identification of PP2C gene family in moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) and function analysis of PhePP2CA13

The protein phosphatase 2C (PP2C) gene family plays an important role in plant growth and development and resistance to abiotic stresses. In our research, the PP2C family containing 103 genes was comprised eleven distinct subfamilies in moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis). PP2C gene family mainly expand through segmental duplications and basically underwent purifying selection in moso bamboo. PP2CA subfamily, the most extensively studied subfamily, carried 19 members in moso bamboo PP2CA subfamily. The cis-acting elements analysis and expression patterns of PhePP2CA genes indicated their potential functions in response to abiotic stress. Next, we gained the lines of transgenic PhePP2CA13-overexpressing plants. Overexpression of PhePP2CA13 significantly decreased tolerance to drought stress, along with a lower germination rate and suppressed root length under drought treatment. Moreover, OE lines also reduced the sensitivity to exogenous ABA in OE lines. More importantly, yeast one-hybrid assays demonstrated that PhePP2CA13 acted downstream of PhebZIP47, and Dual-luciferase assays further showed that the expression of PhePP2CA13 was inhibited by PhebZIP47. This study enriched the knowledge of PP2CA genes and provided genetic resources for stress resistant breeding in moso bamboo.