Transcriptional and post-transcriptional attribution in contrasting rice varieties under nano-structured Zn imposition: A comprehensive study of delineation of Osbzip gene family and OsmiRNAs with their enactment in regulating rice growth

Transcription factors (TFs) play crucial role in molecular physiology by regulating gene expressions with cooperation of microRNAs (miRNAs) for proper execution of cellular and biological processes to achieve optimum plant growth under stage specific demands with respect to diverse situations. Therefore, the present study was adopted for bZIP TF in rice ( Oryza sativa ) while 30 Osbzip TF gene paralogs were identified into 7 subgroups on the basis of Arabidopsis thaliana . The distribution of 30 Osbzip paralogs was uneven into the subgroups and each group exhibited related gene and motif arrangements. The location of Osbzip genes was discrete on the rice chromosomes and segmental duplication was more profound, while ka/Ks ratio was below 1 indicating purifying selection. The inter and intra level collinearity of Osbzip gene family was established for conservatory and evolutionary insights. The nature of physicochemical properties, protein-protein interactions, Cis -acting elements and tandem repetitions were explored for Osbzips . Moreover, 167 targeting OsmiRNAs were identified into several classes with evidence of cleavage type inhibition against Osbzip genes. The expression analysis was performed with 30 Osbzips and 41 targeted OsmiRNAs between contrasting rice (CSR-30 and PB-1) varieties under nano structured Zn imposition. Hence, the differential, comparable and constructive expressions were observed by Osbzips and OsmiRNAs which not only exhibited synchronized action but also demonstrated uncoordinated interaction in regulating rice growth and development under nano-Zn effect. Thus, this study provides TFs and miRNAs mediated characterization for identification of potent molecular determinants in regulating plant growth for genetic improvement in rice.