Identification of the type II NAD(P)H dehydrogenase gene family reveals that TaNDC1 positively regulate Fusarium head blight resistance in wheat

Background The type II NAD(P)H dehydrogenase ( ND ) gene family, as key components of the non-phosphorylating alternative respiratory pathway in mitochondria, plays important roles in plant responses to various environmental stresses. The ND gene family has been well characterized in multiple species, yet comprehensive studies on this gene family in wheat remain unexplored. Results The study identified 16 ND genes, and evolutionary and syntenic analyses revealed that all three subfamilies of plant ND genes, NDA , NDB and NDC are present in wheat. Chromosomal distribution analysis demonstrated that TaNDAs and TaNDBs have homologs across all three subgenomes (A, B, and D), while TaNDC1 exists as a single copy exclusively on chromosome 7D. TaND genes within the same phylogenetic group exhibited similar gene structures and conserved motif distributions. Promoter analysis showed that TaNDs widely harbored cis -acting elements associated with hormone signaling, stress responses, growth and development. Expression profiling demonstrated that TaNDs exhibited strong response to hormones, biotic and abiotic stresses. It is noteworthy that under infections of powdery mildew and crown rot, the expression of TaNDC1 was suppressed, exhibiting a trend similar to that observed under SA treatment. Conversely, under Fusarium head blight (FHB) infection, its expression was strongly induced, mirroring the pattern seen under JA treatment. Functional studies demonstrated that silencing TaNDC1 reduced wheat resistance to FHB, confirming its positive regulatory role in FHB resistance. Additionally, we confirmed that TaNDC1 interacts with TaPFT, a protein encoded within the major FHB resistance locus Fhb1 . Conclusions This study enhance our understanding of the TaND gene family and identify TaNDC1 as a potential candidate gene for improving FHB resistance in wheat.