Genome-Wide Identification, Characterization and Expression Analysis of Plant Nuclear Factor (NF-Y) Gene Family Transcription Factors in Saccharum spp.

Plant nuclear factor (NF-Y) is a transcriptional activating factor composed of three subfamilies: NF-YA, NF-YB, and NF-YC. These transcriptional factors are reported to function as activators, suppressors, and regulators under different developmental and stress conditions in plants. However, there is a lack of systematic research on the gene subfamily in sugarcane. In this study, 51 genes (), composed of 9 , 18 , and 24 genes, were identified in sugarcane ( spp.). Chromosomal distribution analysis of in a hybrid located the genes on all 10 chromosomes. Multiple sequence alignment (MSA) of ShNF-Y proteins revealed conservation of core functional domains. Sixteen orthologous gene pairs were identified between sugarcane and sorghum. Phylogenetic analysis of NF-Y subunits of sugarcane, sorghum, and showed that ShNF-YA subunits were equidistant while ShNF-YB and ShNF-YC subunits clustered distinctly, forming closely related and divergent groups. Expression profiling under drought treatment showed that NF-Y gene members were involved in drought tolerance in a hybrid and its drought-tolerant wild relative, . and genes had significantly higher expression in the root and leaf tissues of both plant species. Similarly, had elevated expression in the leaf and root of and in the leaf of a hybrid. These results provide valuable genetic resources for further sugarcane crop improvement programs.