Genome-wide Analysis of Plant Specific YABBY Transcription Factor Gene Family in Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) and Arabidopsis

Abstract

The YABBY gene family is a specific transcription factor for plants and a DNA binding domain that carries out several different functions, such as regulating the length of blooming plant styles and the polarity of lateral organ development. The YABBY gene family members were identified in the watermelon (Citrullus lanatus subsp. vulgaris var. 97103 V1) genome using a set of bioinformatics techniques. Protein motifs, protein architectures, protein sequences, miRNA targets, and tissue-specific expression patterns were all examined. All chromosomes had an uneven distribution of about eight putative YABBY genes. Inner No Outer INO, CRC (Crabs Claw), YAB2, YAB3/AFO, and YAB5 were the five subgroups that the YABBY proteins in watermelon fall within, in accordance with the accepted Arabidopsis categorization which is based on International Standards of Nomenclature. Segmental duplication was more frequent than tandem duplication, and it was predominantly responsible for the growth of the YABBY gene family in watermelon. The results of tissue-specific expression profiling of ClYAABY genes showed that the vast majority of these genes were substantially expressed in roots and seedlings. In this study, cis-regulatory element (CRE) analyses were employed to identify elements in seedlings and roots that are highly responsive to light,wound, drought, auxin, stress, salicylic acid, and abscisic acid (ABA). The findings reveal specific CREs within the promoter regions of genes associated with these responses. Five groups or sub-families have also been identified by comparing the YABBY genes in watermelon and Arabidopsis, however the CRC and YAB2 groups do not share gene pairing among the other groups. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of plant adaptability and stress response mechanisms, with implications for agriculture and plant science.