Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Profiles of Nuclear Factor Y A Transcription Factors in Blueberry Under Abiotic Stress

Nuclear Factor Y A (NF-YA) transcription factors are widely involved in multiple plant biological processes, such as embryogenesis, abscisic acid signaling, and abiotic stress response. This study presents a comprehensive genome-wide identification and expression profiling of NF-YA transcription factors in blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum), an important economic crop with good adaptability, under abiotic stress conditions. Given the economic significance and health benefits of blueberries, understanding their responses to environmental stresses, such as salt, drought, and temperature extremes, is crucial. A total of 24 NF-YA transcription factors were identified through bioinformatics analyses, including sequence alignment, phylogenetic tree construction, and conserved motif analysis. The expression patterns of these NF-YA genes were evaluated in various tissues (roots, stems, and leaves) and under different stress treatments (abscisic acid, salt, and cold) using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). The results indicated that most VcNF-YA genes exhibited higher expression levels in stems and leaves compared to roots. Most VcNF-YAs were responsive to the stress treatment. Furthermore, cis-acting element analysis revealed that the promoters of VcNF-YAs were enriched with elements responsive to abiotic stress, suggesting their pivotal role in stress adaptation. This research unveils the expressional responses of NF-YA transcription factors in blueberry upon abiotic stresses and lays the groundwork for future studies on improving crop adaptation.