GhVIM28, a negative regulator identified from VIM family genes to depredate protein systematically in cotton under salt stress

Abstract The VIM gene family plays a vital role in the growth, development, and stress responses of plants, while the molecular mechanism of VIM genes in responding to salt stress is remain unclear. This study analyzed the phylogenetic relationships, chromosomal localization, conserved motifs, gene structure, cis-acting elements, and gene expression patterns of the VIM gene family in four cotton varieties. A total of 29, 29, 17, and 14 members were identified in Gossypium hirsutum (G.hirsutum), Gossypium barbadense(G.barbadense), Gossypium arboreum (G.arboreum), and Gossypium raimondii (G. raimondii), respectively. Chromosomal localization indicated the maturity and evolution of this gene family. Analysis of gene structure and conserved motifs revealed a conserved pattern among GhVIMs genes. Furthermore, cis-acting element analysis demonstrated the presence of stress-responsive elements, hormone-responsive elements, and growth-related elements in the promoter region of GhVIMs genes, highlighting their significant role in plant growth and stress response. Additionally, gene expression analysis revealed different expression patterns and tissue specificity of GhVIMs genes under abiotic stress. To better understand the functional role of GhVIM28, GhVIM28 gene was silenced using virus-induced gene silencing, and the results indicated that GhVIM28 acts as a salt-tolerant negative regulator.