Transcriptome-wide identification of the WUSCHEL-related homeobox transcription factors and their expression patterns underlying drought and salt stress in <i>Populus euphratica</i>.

ABSTRACT: Drought and salinity are major abiotic stresses that severely affect plant growth and the productivity of woody plants. The WUSCHEL-related homeobox (WOX) transcription factors are central to the regulation of plant development and plant stress responses, yet their roles in the stress-resilient desert tree Populus euphratica remain unexplored. Here we performed a genome-wide study to identify and characterize the WOX gene family of P. euphratica species. A total of 18 PeuWOX genes were discovered and characterized phylogenetically as modern, intermediate, and ancient clades. Members within each clade exhibited strong conservation in gene structure and protein motifs. Promoter analysis revealed a significant enrichment of stress- and hormone-responsive cis-elements. The

SUBMITTER: Ndayambaza B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12900766 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature