Genome-Wide Characterization and Identification of Trihelix Transcription Factor and Expression Profiling in Response to Abiotic Stresses in Rice ( L.).

Trihelix transcription factors play a role in plant growth, development and various stress responses. Here, we identified 41 trihelix family genes in the rice genome. These s (Myb/SANT-LIKE) were located on twelve chromosomes. Synteny analysis indicated only six duplicated gene pairs in the rice trihelix family. Phylogenetic analysis of these s and the trihelix genes from other species divided them into five clusters. s from different groups significantly diverged in terms of gene structure and conserved functional domains. However, all s contained the same five -elements. Some of these were responsive to light and dehydration stress. All s expressed in four tissues and six developmental stages of rice but with different expression patterns. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis revealed that the s responded to abiotic stresses including drought and high salt stress and stress signal molecule including ABA (abscisic acid), hydrogen peroxide. were simultaneously expressed under all treatments, while showed high expression under hydrogen peroxide, drought, and high salt treatments. Moreover, displayed significant expression under ABA and drought treatments. Nevertheless, their responses were regulated by light. The expression levels of the 12 chosen s differed between light and dark conditions. In conclusion, our results helped elucidate the biological functions of rice trihelix genes and provided a theoretical basis for further characterizing their biological roles in responding to abiotic stresses.