Genome-wide identification and functional characterization of the DREB gene family in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) reveal its role in drought and salinity responses.

backgroundDehydration response element-binding (DREB) proteins are crucial for plant responses to abiotic stress, particularly in molecular responses to drought and high-salt stress. However, the understanding of the role of DREB proteins in barley, an important and widespread crop, remains limited.

resultsIn this study, bioinformatics-based genome-wide analysis revealed 39 DREB genes in barley. These genes are distributed on all barley chromosomes; chr6H has the highest density, with five pairs of segmentally duplicated genes. Moreover, synteny analyses revealed a relatively conserved evolutionary process shared by some HvDREB genes in barley and four other species. Moreover, promoter analysis revealed that HvDREB genes are associated with stress-, drought-, low-temperature- and hormone-responsive cis-acting elements. MicroRNA target site prediction revealed that 14 types of miRNAs regulate 16 HvDREB genes. qRT-PCR analysis verified that upon exposure to distinct stressors, the HvDREB genes presented diverse expression trends in barley roots, stems, and leaves.

conclusionThese findings indicate that HvDREB genes may regulate plant growth and stress tolerance. On the basis of the bioinformatics and qRT-PCR results, we hypothesized that HvDREB gene expression is closely related to salt and drought stress in barley, providing a basis for further understanding the genetic underpinnings of these key stress adaptations.