Expression profiling of TaNF-YA transcription factor genes under abiotic stress conditions in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seedlings

The nuclear factor-Y (NF-Y) transcription factor families, NF-YA, NF-YB, and NF-YC, have significantly expanded in higher plants than in animals and fungi. Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genome contains 10 NF-YA, 11 NF-YB, and 14 NF-YC genes. The NF-YA subunits of the NF-Y (NF-YA/YB/YC) trimer bind to a sequence-specific CCAAT box to regulate their target genes’ transcription. Moreover, plant NF-YA subunits play an essential role in the regulation of growth and development under various abiotic stress conditions. However, little is known about TaNF-YA subunits in Keumkang, a wheat cultivar mainly cultivated in South Korea. Two major domains (NF-YB/C interaction and DNA binding domain) conserved in the core regions of eight TaNF-YA subunits were identified using protein alignment, and most TaNF-YA proteins were localized in the nucleus. Additionally, TaNF-YA genes with up- or down-regulated expression under drought, waterlogging, and different nitrogen content conditions, or at abscisic acid (ABA) and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) treatment were analyzed using real-time quantitative PCR analysis. This study provides insights into the potential role of the Keumkang NF-YA family under drought, waterlogging, and nitrogen stress conditions.