Genome-wide identification of the carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase gene family in wheat and analysis of the TaDREB-7A-TaNCED9a regulatory module conferring drought tolerance.
- Open access
Identification of 34 TaCCD genes across wheat chromosomes reveals their potential role in drought tolerance, with TaNCED9a being crucial for stress response regulation.
- Why it matters: Understanding the genetic basis of drought response in wheat is vital for improving crop resilience amid climate change and water scarcity, yet the specific gene functions remain largely unknown.
- What they did: The study employed genome-wide analysis, structural and interaction predictions, and functional assays to characterize TaCCD genes, focusing on TaNCED9a's regulation by TaDREB-7A and its impact on drought resistance.
- The result: Downregulating TaNCED9a reduced drought tolerance, while a haplotype associated with higher germination rates under drought was identified, providing valuable genetic resources for breeding drought-resistant wheat.