Molecular cloning, subcellular localization, and expression of BsWRKY51 gene from Bletilla striata

Abstract

The WRKY transcription factor family plays a key role in plant growth and development, hormone signaling, and resistance to environmental stress. In this study, we investigated the gene sequence, subcellular localization, and response pattern of a member of the WRKY transcription factor family to reveal its protein structure and involvement in the resistance signaling pathway.The BsWRKY51 gene was cloned by RT-PCR, and the structural characteristics of its encoded protein WRKY51 were analyzed by bioinformatics. The vector was next transiently transformed into tobacco to analyze the subcellular localization, and real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR was performed to analyze the changes in the expression pattern of BsWRKY51. The BsWRKY51 gene has a coding sequence (CDS) length of 987 bp.The respective unstable hydrophilic protein BsWRKY51 is localized in the nucleus. It most closely related to the WRKY protein of Dendrobium catenatum in the Orchidaceae family. Fluorescence quantitative PCR results showed that the BsWRKY51 expression in the leaves was significantly higher than that in the roots, stems, and pseudobulbs of Bletilla striata seedlings. Under the conditions of salt and drought stress, the BsWRKY51 expression gradual increased and then a slightly decreased, and under salicylic acid (SA) treatment, the expression of BsWRKY51 showed an overall decreasing trend.The BsWRKY51 gene of Bletilla striata may play an important regulatory role in its salt and drought stress responses. Our present findings provide the foundation for elucidating the mechanisms of salt and drought tolerance in Bletilla striata and for breeding new varieties.