PLATZ transcription factors gene family in Brassica napus: genome-wide identification and expression analysis to abiotic stresses

Plant A/T-rich sequence and zinc-binding protein (PLATZ) are novel zinc-binding transcription factor (TF) proteins that play essential roles in plant growth, development, and tolerance to challenging environmental conditions. Brassica napus (rapeseed) is an important edible oil crop that is cultivated globally. However, the regulatory roles of PLATZ proteins in rapeseed development and environmental adaptation are poorly understood. In the present study, 49 BnaPLATZ genes were identified, which were unevenly distributed across 19 rapeseed chromosomes. Phylogenetically, all BnaPLATZ proteins were clustered into three clades with similar intron-exon distributions and conserved sequences (MEME) within the same clade, whereas variations existed between clades. Gene duplication analysis revealed that segmental duplications (99 pairs) were the primary driving force for the evolution and expansion of BnaPLATZ genes in rapeseed. However, no tandem duplications were detected. Notably, the tissue-specific expression profiles showed distinct expression patterns. Differential expression of selected BnaPLATZ genes, including BnaA07.PLATZ11, BnaC07.PLATZ37, BnaC07.PLATZ38, BnaC07.PLATZ39, and BnaC08.PLATZ40 was observed under drought, salt, cold, and heat stress. Validation of the in-silico subcellular localization prediction revealed that BnaC08.PLATZ28 and BnaC05.PLATZ31 is localized in the nucleus, suggesting that it may function as a true TF. Taken together, our findings hold the potential for improving plant growth and development and elucidating the possible role of PLATZ genes in rapeseed.