Cloning of PcWRKY3 gene and its expression in response to abiotic stress factors in cherry rootstocks

The WRKY transcription factors are widely involved in the physiological processes related to plant growth and development as well as response to biotic and abiotic stresses. A full-length cDNA for PcWRKY3 (GenBank accession number KY399984) gene was cloned from the cherry (Prunus) rootstock 'Gisela 6' (Prunus cerasus x Prunus canescens) using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The PcWRKY3 gene was found to contain an open reading frame (ORF) with 1,551 bp encoding 516 amino acids. Sequence analysis indicated that the resultant PcWRKY3 protein comprised of two conserved WRKY domains and two zinc finger structures (C2H2), and thus, belonged to Group I of the WRKY family. Furthermore, the expression of PcWRKY3 on treating the plantlets with 200 mmol mannitol and 200 mmol NaCl was analysed by quantitative RT-PCR. The gene exhibited differential expression under these artificial abiotic stresses, which suggested its potential role in the plant's response to abiotic stress factors. This study provides a basis for further analysis of the physiological functions of PcWRKY3 in environmental tolerance in cherry rootstocks.