Genome-Wide Identification of the GS3 Gene Family and the Influence of Natural Variations in BnGS3-3 on Salt and Cold Stress Tolerance in Brassica napus

Saline-alkali stress and cold damage significantly impact the yield of <i>Brassica napus</i>. G proteins play a crucial role in plant resistance to abiotic stresses, and research on G proteins in <i>Brassica napus</i> (rapeseed) is still in its early stages. In this study, we employed bioinformatics tools to systematically investigate the basic physicochemical properties, phylogenetic relationships, distribution, gene structure, cis-regulatory elements, and expansion patterns of the <i>GS3</i> gene family in <i>Brassica napus</i>. Additionally, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to analyze the response of the <i>BnGS3-3</i> gene to salt and low-temperature stresses. Natural variations were found in the promoter region of <i>BnGS3-3</i>. By conducting a promoter-driven luciferase (LUC) assay, the relationship between natural variations in the <i>BnGS3-3</i> promoter and salt and cold tolerance was analyzed. Furthermore, the impact of these natural variations on flowering time, root length, and yield was explored using phenotypic data from a population. Our research results aim to provide insights into the function and molecular mechanisms of <i>BnGS3-3</i> in <i>Brassica napus</i>, and to offer valuable genetic resources for molecular breeding to improve salt and low-temperature tolerance in <i>Brassica napus</i>.