Genome-Wide Identification and Expression of NF-YC Transcription Factors in Blueberry Under Abiotic Stress Conditions

Nuclear Factor Y C (NF-YC) transcription factors (TFs) are central regulators of plant development and stress adaptation. However, there remains a gap in identifying NF-YC gene family members in blueberry (<i>Vaccinium corymbosum</i>), a globally significant fruit crop renowned for its nutritional value and good adaptability. In this study, a total of 31 <i>NF-YC</i> genes (designated <i>VcNF-YC1-31</i>) were identified in the blueberry genome, and their basic physicochemical properties, gene structures, motif patterns, and conserved domains were investigated using bioinformatic methods. The <i>cis</i>-acting elements in the promoters of <i>VcNF-YC</i>s were mainly enriched in phytohormone signaling, metabolism, and stress response. qRT-PCR analysis showed that <i>VcNF-YC</i>s were expressed at higher levels in leaves than in roots and stems. Transcriptional profiling revealed rapid upregulation of 24, 25, and 16 <i>VcNF-YC</i> genes upon ABA, salt, and cold treatments, respectively, indicating stress-specific induction patterns. The results of the yeast transformation assay revealed that VcNF-YC10 and VcNF-YC15 lacked transcription-activating activity. The results of tobacco leaf injection revealed that these two TFs were localized in the nucleus. These findings indicate the potentially important roles in abiotic stress responses of blueberry, offering potential targets for molecular breeding to enhance plant resilience.