Genome-Wide Identification of CaPLATZ Family Members in Pepper and Their Expression Profiles in Response to Drought...

Background: The plant AT-rich sequence and zinc binding (PLATZ) transcription factors constitute a zinc-dependent protein family implicated in various developmental processes and responses to abiotic stress. Nevertheless, comprehensive investigations on PLATZ gene functions in pepper (Capsicum annuum) have not been extensively performed. Methods: In the present study, bioinformatics methods coupled with quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) were employed to characterize the phylogenetic relationships, chromosome distribution, structural composition, cis-regulatory elements, evolutionary dynamics, and expression responses of CaPLATZ genes under drought stress conditions. Results: Phylogenetic analyses categorized the CaPLATZ genes into four distinct subgroups, each exhibiting similar gene structures and conserved motif patterns within its subgroup. A total of 11 CaPLATZ genes were nonuniformly located across eight pepper chromosomes, and synteny analyses identified a duplication event involving a single gene pair. The assessment of cis-acting regulatory elements indicated potential involvement of CaPLATZ genes in responses to abiotic stresses and various phytohormones. Furthermore, qRT-PCR results revealed differential expression of most CaPLATZ genes under drought-induced stress. Conclusions: Collectively, these findings support the functional roles of CaPLATZ transcription factors in mediating developmental processes and enhancing drought tolerance in pepper.