Genome-wide identification and expression profile analysis of the NF-Y transcription factor gene family in Eucalyptus grandis

Background The NF-Y (NUCLEAR FACTOR-Y) transcription factor in plants is composed of NF-YA, NF-YB and NF-YC subunits. It is known to play an important role in plant growth and development and response to stress. Although the NF-Y gene family has been systematically studied in many species, the understanding of the NF-Y gene family in Eucalyptus remains unknown. Results In this study, 31 (7 EgrNF-YA, 16 EgrNF-YB and 8 EgrNF-YC) EgrNF-Y genes were identified in E. grandis using Arabidopsis NF-Y protein sequences as queries and their structural characteristics were comprehensively analyzed. Phylogenetic, conserved domain and exon-intron structure analyzed that the closer relationship in each subfamily. Multiple alignments showed that all EgrNF-Y proteins had conserved core regions. Chromosomal localization of these genes revealed that they were randomly distributed across 11 chromosomes. Cis -element analysis of promoter indicated that EgrNF-Y gene was affected by various hormonal and abiotic stresses. Furthermore, tissue-specific expression showed that all 30 EgrNF-Y genes were widely expressed in various tissues and organs. Additionally, the stress response pattern of EgrNF-Ys was identified under phosphate-starved, and 12 genes and 3 genes were upregulated more than 2-fold in the leaves and roots, respectively. Conclusion Our studies have provided a general understanding of the conservation and characteristics of the EgrNF-Y genes family in E. grandis . And it has been demonstrated that members of the EgrNF-YB1 and EgrNF-YB11 may play important roles in the regulation of floweringin of E. grandis . To provide reference for further study on the role of NF-Y gene in the regulation of flowering in E. grandis . In addition, our also established a theoretical basis for further functional studies on this family.