Identification and Characterization of the BZR Transcription Factor Genes Family in Potato ( L.) and Their Expression Profiles in Response to Abiotic Stresses.

Brassinazole resistant (BZR) genes act downstream of the brassinosteroid signaling pathway regulating plant growth and development and participating in plant stress responses. However, the gene family has not systematically been characterized in potato. We identified eight genes in , which were distributed among seven chromosomes unequally and were classified into three subgroups. Potato and tomato proteins were shown to be closely related with high levels of similarity. The gene family members in each subgroup contained similar conserved motifs. genes exhibited tissue-specific expression patterns, suggesting their functional differentiation during evolution. , , and were highly expressed under white light in microtubers. showed a progressive up-regulation from 0 to 6 h and a progressive down-regulation from 6 to 24 h after drought and salt stress. , , , , , and were significantly induced from 0 to 3 h under BR treatment. This implied genes are involved in phytohormone and stress response signaling pathways. Our results provide a theoretical basis for understanding the functional mechanisms of genes in potato.