Genome-Wide Identification of SNF7 Gene Family in Maize and Potential Roles in Response to Abiotic and Biotic Stress

Sucrose non-fermenting protein 7 (SNF7) is a core operator of the endosomal sorting complex required for transport III (ESCRT-III) component mediating protein sorting and degradation. To date, the SNF7 gene family remains poorly characterized in plants, particularly in maize (Zea mays L.). Here, we integrated bioinformatic and transcriptomic analyses to systematically characterize the ZmSNF7 gene family and its regulatory potential in stress responses. In total, 20 ZmSNF7 genes were identified genome-wide and classified into three phylogenetic clades, with conserved motifs and similar tertiary structures within the same clade. Abundant hormone- and stress-responsive cis-elements were detected in their promoters. Protein interaction prediction indicated ZmSNF7 proteins interact with intra-family members and other ESCRT components. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis suggested ZmSNF7s are primarily involved in endomembrane system organization and vesicular trafficking. Transcriptomic data revealed divergent ZmSNF7 expression patterns under drought, Rice black-streaked dwarf virus (RBSDV) infection, Colletotrichum graminicola (C. graminicola) inoculation and Asian corn borer (ACB) infestation. Collectively, this study comprehensively characterized the ZmSNF7 gene family and broadened our functional understanding of ZmSNF7 in mediating plant responses to biotic and abiotic stresses.