Phenotypic and Transcriptomic Analyses of Transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana Expressing Cotton Zinc Finger Protein8
Wenhan Cheng1,2, Chen Rui1,2, Yechuan Huang1
1College of Food and Biology, Jingchu University of Technology, Jingmen 448000, China.
Abstract:
Background: The functional role of GhZFP8 (a zinc finger protein gene) in plant growth and development remains unclear. Methods: This study investigated phenotypic and transcriptomic changes in GhZFP8-transgenic vs. wild-type Arabidopsis to clarify GhZFP8's biological functions. Phenotypes of two transgenic lines (ZFP8_7, ZFP8_21) were observed. Transcriptome sequencing (ZFP8_7 vs. wild-type, 3 biological replicates/sample) was performed, with quality assessment (coverage, depth, alignment rate). Differential genes were screened by |log2(fold change)| > 1 and FDR < 0.05; GO/KEGG enrichment analyses were conducted. Results: Transgenic lines showed slower growth, higher trichome density, ectopic silique trichomes, and reduced fertility. Sequencing quality was satisfactory (97.42% exonic alignment). Most differential genes were highly expressed in wild-type plants, with more downregulated than upregulated genes. Upregulated genes enriched in stimulus response regulation, plant cell walls, and methyltransferase activity (GO); estrogen signaling/tyrosine metabolism (KEGG). Downregulated genes enriched in cell wall/phenylpropanoid biosynthesis (GO); glycosyltransferase/plant MAPK pathways (KEGG). Conclusions:GhZFP8 overexpression induces significant phenotypic changes and alters gene expression in Arabidopsis. Findings provide insights into GhZFP8's effects, supporting further study of its functional mechanisms.
