Expression profiling of NF-Y gene family in a domestic wheat cultivar (Triticum aestivum L. cv. Keumkang) under waterlogging stress

ABSTRACT Enhancing wheat’s ability to withstand waterlogging stress is critical for improving productivity. Transcription factors, particularly the NF-Y family, play key roles in plant growth, development, and abiotic stress responses. The NF-Y family in plants is composed of three subunits: NF-YA, NF-YB, and NF-YC, which are involved in regulating growth and stress adaptation. In wheat, several NF-Y genes have been identified for their roles in stress response, though their expression patterns under waterlogging stress remain unclear. In this study, RNA-Seq data (PRJNA943453) were analyzed to investigate the expression of TaNF-YA, TaNF-YB, and TaNF-YC genes in waterlogged wheat roots. Results revealed that a subset of TaNF-Y genes, including TaNF-YB2, TaNF-YB3, TaNF-YB5, TaNF-YB11, and TaNF-YC7 were significantly up-regulated in response to waterlogging. These findings suggested that TaNF-Y transcription factors play an important role in wheat’s adaptation to waterlogging stress. The upregulation of these genes under waterlogging conditions indicates their potential for enhancing wheat’s tolerance to transient low oxygen environments. This study provides valuable insights into the role of TaNF-Y genes in stress response, offering potential strategies for improving wheat resilience under waterlogging conditions.