Classification and Gene Expression Analysis of bZIP Family in Tomato Root under Sub-Optimal Temperature

Transcription factors (TFs) are master regulators that control gene clusters Plant bZIP (basic region/leucine zipper) transcription factors play crucial roles in biological processes. The Tomato genome sequence contains 73 genes of bZIP transcription factors. The bZIPs in tomato have never been classified. In this study, 73 genes of bZIP transcription factors were classified in 11 groups by their DNA-binding domains, conserved motifs and phylogeny results. Some bZIP proteins were not classified into any group. The cold-sensitive tomato cultivar (S. lycopersicon cv. Moneymaker) and cold-tolerant of the wild tomato species (S. habrochaites, LA1777) were compared for analyzing gene expression of three slbZIP genes (Solyc06g074320, Solyc01g109880 and Solyc10g085210) in root under sub-optimal temperature (15⁰C) and normal temperature (23⁰C). Our results show that Solyc06g074320gene was induced less than Solyc01g109880 and Solyc10g085210 genes under sub-optimal temperature in tomato root. The results of this work will be for understanding bZIP relationships and important starting point for functional analysis.