Characterisation of Constans Gene Family from the Amaranthaceae Family and Their Response to Adverse Environmental Conditions Based on Genome-Wide Identification and Transcriptome Analysis

Xuan Duong Vu; Phi Bang Cao; Quy Phuong Nguyen; Thi Thanh Huyen  Tran; Hong Viet La; Duong Ngoc Dao; Quynh Thi Ngoc Le; Ha Duc Chu

doi:10.22146/jtbb.17108

Xuan Duong Vu Institute of Applied Research and Development, Hung Vuong University, Phu Tho Province 35000, Vietnam https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5695-8849
Phi Bang Cao Faculty of Natural Sciences, Hung Vuong University, Phu Tho Province 35000, Vietnam https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9374-3839
Quy Phuong Nguyen Faculty of Natural Sciences, Hung Vuong University, Phu Tho Province 35000, Vietnam https://orcid.org/0009-0001-7410-1993
Thi Thanh Huyen Tran Faculty of Biology, Hanoi National University of Education, Xuan Thuy Road, Cau Giay District, Hanoi City 122300, Vietnam https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5351-6401
Hong Viet La Institute of Research and Application, Hanoi Pedagogical University 2, Phuc Yen City, Vinh Phuc Province 280000, Vietnam https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6016-5857
Duong Ngoc Dao Faculty of Natural Sciences, Hung Vuong University, Phu Tho Province 35000, Vietnam; Que Lam Junior High School, Doan Hung, Phu Tho Province 35300, Vietnam https://orcid.org/0009-0006-3047-0865
Quynh Thi Ngoc Le Department of Biotechnology, Thuyloi University, Hanoi City 116830, Vietnam https://orcid.org/0009-0006-2839-3776
Ha Duc Chu Faculty of Agricultural Technology, University of Engineering and Technology, Vietnam National University Hanoi, Cau Giay District, Hanoi City 122300, Vietnam https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0087-9994

DOI: https://doi.org/10.22146/jtbb.17108

Keywords: CONSTANS, Transcription factor, Amaranthus, Identification, Characterisation, Gene structure, Expression pattern

Abstract

The CONSTANS (CO) transcription factor plays a key role in regulating photoperiodic flowering by integrating environmental signals and activating downstream flowering genes. However, no comprehensive information on the CO transcription factor family has been reported in Amaranthus species. In this study, we performed a genome-wide identification, characterisation, and expression analysis of the CO gene family in six Amaranthus species, including A. hypochondriacus, A. palmeri, A. cruentus, A. hybridus, A. tuberculatus, and A. tricolor. A total of 12 to 13 CO genes were identified in each species, and their chromosomal positions, gene structures, and physicochemical properties were analysed. Phylogenetic analysis categorised these CO genes into three distinct groups, revealing evolutionary relationships with CO genes from Arabidopsis thaliana and sugar beet. Gene structure analysis showed considerable diversity in exon-intron organisation, indicating functional differentiation within the CO family. Additionally, transcriptome analysis using RNA-Seq data demonstrated tissue-specific and stress-induced expression patterns, particularly under drought and herbicide treatments. This study provides the first comprehensive insight into the CO transcription factor family in Amaranthus species, offering a foundation for future research on photoperiodic flowering regulation and stress-response mechanisms in these species.

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