Genome-Wide Identification and Chilling Stress Analysis of the NF-Y Gene Family in Melon

Abstract

The nuclear factor Y (NF-Y) transcription factor contains three subfamilies: NF-YA, NF-YB, and NF-YC. The NF-Y family have been reported to be key regulators in plant growth and stress responses. However, little attention has been given to these genes in melon (<i>Cucumis melo</i> L.). In this study, twenty-five <i>NF-Ys</i> were identified in the melon genome, including six <i>CmNF-YAs</i>, eleven <i>CmNF-YBs</i>, and eight <i>CmNF-YCs</i>. Their basic information (gene location, protein characteristics, and subcellular localization), conserved domains and motifs, and phylogeny and gene structure were subsequently analyzed. Results showed highly conserved motifs exist in each subfamily, which are distinct between subfamilies. Most <i>CmNF-Ys</i> were expressed in five tissues and exhibited distinct expression patterns. However, <i>CmNF-YA6</i>, <i>CmNF-YB1/B2/B3/B8</i>, and <i>CmNF-YC6</i> were not expressed and might be pseudogenes. Twelve <i>CmNF-Ys</i> were induced by cold stress, indicating the NF-Y family plays a key role in melon cold tolerance. Taken together, our findings provide a comprehensive understanding of <i>CmNF-Y</i> genes in the development and stress response of melon and provide genetic resources for solving the practical problems of melon production.