and Genes in Garlic ( L.): Genome-Wide Identification, Characterization, and Stress Response.

Dehydration-responsive element-binding (DREB) transcription factors (TFs) of the A1 and A2 subfamilies involved in plant stress responses have not yet been reported in species. In this study, we used bioinformatics and comparative transcriptomics to identify and characterize A1 and A2 genes redundant in garlic ( L.) and analyze their expression in cultivars differing in the sensitivity to cold and infection. Eight A1 () and eight A2 () genes were identified. genes located in tandem on chromosome 1 had similar expression patterns, suggesting functional redundancy. were scattered on different chromosomes and had organ- and genotype-specific expressions. and promoters contained 7 and 9 hormone- and stress-responsive -regulatory elements, respectively, and 13 sites associated with TF binding and plant development. In both -resistant and -sensitive cultivars, fungal infection upregulated the , , , , and genes and downregulated , but the magnitude of response depended on the infection susceptibility of the cultivar. Cold exposure strongly upregulated the genes, but downregulated most genes. Our results provide the foundation for further functional analysis of the DREB TFs in crops and could contribute to the breeding of stress-tolerant varieties.