Cis-acting elements and co-expression regulatory network analyses of drought-related genes in Canola

Drought stress is an important abiotic stress that impair the growth and yield of Canola (Brassica napus). Although, many studies have been conducted on drought stress related genes, there is little information about their cis-acting regulatory elements (CREs) and co-expression network under drought stress. Therefore, in this study the promoter motif and co-expression analyses of important drought-related genes were performed by in silico methods. Some important co-expressed genes and stress-related motifs, including Dof, TSO۱, and GARP-G۲-like, were identified. The regulatory network of drought-related genes could play an essential role in response to drought stress by influencing genes involved in photosynthesis and carbohydrate biosynthesis. Investigated drought-related genes were regulated by stress-related CREs in a complex regulatory network with co-expressed genes under drought stress, which can be considered in genetic improvement programs of Canola.

Keywords:

Brassica napus , Motif , RNA-Seq , Transcription factor