Genome-wide identification and functional characterization of wheat Brassinazole-resistant transcription factors in response to abiotic stresses and stripe rust infection

Brassinazole-resistant (BZR) transcription factors (TFs) are key players in brassinolides (BRs) signaling pathway, which is widely involved in regulating plant growth and development, as well as in plant responding to a variety stresses. Despite their critical roles, little is known about BZR TFs in wheat. In this study, we performed genome-wide analysis of BZR gene family from wheat genome, and 20 were identified. Based on the phylogenetic relationships of and from rice and , all genes were clustered into four groups. The intron-exon structural patterns and conserved protein motifs of showed high group specificity. , 7, and 9 were significantly induced after salt, drought treatment, and stripe rust infection. However, , which was significantly upregulated under NaCl application, was not expressed during wheat-stripe rust fungus interaction. These results indicated that BZR genes in wheat play different roles in response to various stresses. The results of this study will lay a foundation for further in-depth functional studies of and will provide information for the breeding and genetic improvement of wheat against drought and salt stresses.