Genome-Wide Analysis of ZAT Gene Family in Osmanthus fragrans and the Function Exploration of OfZAT35 in Cold Stress

is a popular ornamental and odorant plant with high commercial value, but its cultivation and exploitation are limited by low temperature. The (zinc finger of ) genes as a subclass of the C2H2-type zinc finger proteins (C2H2-ZFP) family play essential roles in various abiotic stresses. However, their roles in cold stress response in remain unclear. This study identified 38 , which could be divided into 5 subgroups based on the phylogenetic tree, with in the same subgroup harboring similar gene structures and motif patterns. In addition, 49 segmental and 5 tandem duplication events were detected among genes, while some genes exhibited specific expression patterns in different tissues. Furthermore, two s were induced in salt stress and eight responded to cold stress. Interestingly, showed a continuously increasing expression trend under cold stress, while its protein showed nucleus localization with no transcriptional activation activity. Transiently transformed tobacco overexpressing exhibited a significantly higher relative electrolyte leakage (REL) level and increased activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and Ascorbate peroxidase (APX), while there was significantly decreased activity of catalase (CAT). Moreover, , , and , which are associated with cold stress, were dramatically decreased after cold treatment in transiently transformed tobacco, suggesting that overexpression of negatively regulated cold stress. This study provides a basis for exploring the roles of genes and contributes to uncovering the mechanism of -mediated cold stress response in .