Abstract:

The nuclear factor (NF-Y), composed of NF-YA, NF-YB, and NF-YC subunits, specifically recognizes the CCAAT-box in the promoters of target genes and is a critically important transcription factor. To explore the functions of the NF-YA family members in maize (Zea mays), 16 maize NF-YA family members were identified by bioinformatics methods using the maize gene database, and 13 of these members were cloned, and their tissue-specific expression patterns as well as expression profiles under salt stress were determined. The results showed that except for ZmNF-YA16, the other maize NF-YA family members contain a highly conserved CBFB_NF-YA domain. Maize NF-YA family members were classified into three types according to phylogenetic analysis. Subcellular localization prediction indicated that except for ZmNF-YA14, which was localized to both the nucleus and mitochondrion, the other maize NF-YA family members were localized in the nucleus. Promoter cis-element analysis revealed that the genes of maize NF-YA family members contained various cis-acting elements. Tissue expression analysis showed that five NF-YA family members exhibited tissue specificity, while ZmNF-YA2 and ZmNF-YA4 were expressed in all tissues examined. Under salt stress, ZmNF-YA5 and ZmNF-YA10 showed positive responses, while ZmNF-YA13 negatively regulated the maize response to salt stress. This study provided a preliminary analysis of the gene structures and salt stress response patterns of maize NF-YA family members, laying a foundation for further research into the functions of this family.

Key words: maize, nuclear factor Y(NF-Y), NF-YA subunit, salt stress