Molecular Characterization and Expression Analysis of Genes in .

Plant-specific YABBY transcription factors play an important role in lateral organ development and abiotic stress responses. However, the functions of the genes in quinoa remain elusive. In this study, twelve () genes were identified in the quinoa genome, and they were distributed on nine chromosomes. They were classified into FIL/YAB3, YAB2, YAB5, INO, and CRC clades. All genes consist of six or seven exons, and their proteins contain both N-terminal C2C2 zinc finger motifs and C-terminal YABBY domains. Ninety-three -regulatory elements were revealed in gene promoters, and they were divided into six groups, such as -elements involved in light response, hormone response, development, and stress response. Six genes were significantly upregulated by salt stress, while one was downregulated. Nine genes were upregulated under drought stress, whereas six genes were downregulated under cadmium treatment. Tissue expression profiles showed that nine genes were expressed in seedlings, leaves, and flowers, seven in seeds, and two specifically in flowers, but no expression was detected in roots. Furthermore, could rescue the mutant phenotype in but not , a paralog of , indicative of functional conservation and divergence among these genes. Taken together, these results lay a foundation for further functional analysis of genes in quinoa growth, development, and abiotic stress responses.