Identification, characterization, and expression analysis of the TaNF-YB3 gene from Triticum aestivum

Abstract

A full-length cDNA encoding a nuclear factor-YB (NF-YB)/HAP3/CCAAT binding factor-A (CBF-A) subunit of a CCAAT-box binding complex, designated as TaNF-YB3 was isolated from Triticum aestivum. Sequence analysis indicated that the full-length cDNA was 809 bp long, including an open reading frame (ORF) of 597 bp, which encoded a deduced polypeptide of 199 amino acids and is located in chromosome 3D. The deduced protein contained conserved structural domains and showed high identity to other plant NF-YBs. TaNF-YB3 was expressed in various organs, especially in the leaves and stamens; it was also regulated by salt, mannitol, abscisic acid, wounding, and cold. Moreover, TaNF-YB3 was down-regulated by short days and vernalization, and sensitive to the transfer of day length. It was mainly induced by light and exhibited a similar diurnal rhythmic expression pattern with the CCT-domain family gene VRN2 (TaZCCT1 and TaZCCT2), but not with CO (WCO1 and TaHd1). Overall, the results suggested that TaNF-YB3, aside from having a role in regulating day length and vernalization responses, might integrate signals from other environmental stresses to perform its functions in winter wheat adaptability and development.