Study of JASMONATE ZIM-Domain gene family to waterlogging stress in Cucumis sativus L.

Abstract

Jasmonate ZIM Domain proteins (JAZs) provide a response to multiple abiotic stresses by critically regulating the JA signaling pathway. In this study, a total of 11 CsJAZ genes were identified in the cucumber genome database. In silico analysis revealed the presence of different cis-acting regulatory elements related to growth, stress and hormonal responsiveness in the upstream region of CsJAZ genes. The transcriptional expression pattern analysis showed that all CsJAZ genes were expressed in the tissues tested and all CsJAZ genes responded to plant hormone GA, suggesting they may participate in complex hormone signaling networks. An expression analysis based on qRT-PCR, indicated that cucumber CsJAZ8 was decreased significantly by waterlogging treatment but induced by exogenous methyl jasmonate application. Therefore, we speculate that CsJAZ8 could be a potential regulator of the response of cucumber to waterlogging stress. Additionally, transient expression assay showed that the CsJAZ8 protein is localized in the nucleus and could be involved in the regulation of various biological and cellular processes. Furthermore, Y2H assay revealed that cucumber CsJAZ proteins exhibit homologous and heterologous interactions. Subsequently, this research will contribute to the understanding of the CsJAZ gene family in Cucumis sativus. It also provides further insight into the role of CsJAZ proteins in waterlogging stress and may provide a new frontier in cucumber breeding for waterlogging tolerance.