Genome-wide analysis of the GATA gene family in Castanea mollissima reveals key regulators involved in salt stress response

Abstract

The GATA gene family comprises important transcription factors (TFs) that affect plant ontogeny and abiotic/biotic stress tolerance. Castanea mollissima is a significant economic and food-producing tree species in the Northern Hemisphere, known for its strong wind resistance and soil stabilization capabilities. Nevertheless, existing studies have not explored the characteristics and functions of the GATA family in C. mollissima . The study identified 21 CmGATA genes from the N11–1 reference genome assembly of C. mollissima , which were dispersed among 12 chromosomes. Phylogenetic analysis helped to categorize these genes into four distinct subfamilies, with genes belonging to the same subfamily exhibiting considerable similarities in terms of structural characteristics and conserved motif composition. Collinear analysis further revealed that the major driver of CmGATA gene family expansion was segmental duplication, followed by evolutionary pressure predominantly shaped by purifying selection. Phenotypic indicators, such as antioxidant enzyme activity, exhibited significant alterations, and transcriptomic analysis revealed increasingly more differentially expressed genes (DEGs) as salt stress treatment continued. Notably, transcriptome analysis demonstrated the expression patterns of CmGATA genes under salt stress, and combined with their correlation with phenotype indicators and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), effectively benefiting the exploration of the function of CmGATA genes in C. mollissima salt stress response. Additionally, validation experiments utilizing reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) demonstrated gene expression trends consistent with those obtained from RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analyses. This study theoretically assists in comprehending the evolution and function of the CmGATA genes under salt stress, offering potential applications in environmental conservation and saline–alkali land improvement. Enhancing salt tolerance in C. mollissima could support its cultivation in a wider range of regions, combining ecological benefits of soil and water conservation with economic value.