The Alfin-like transcription factor family is one of the important gene families in eukaryotic plants. They are involved in many biological processes, such as lignocellulosic wall biosynthesis, meristem development, metabolite transport, and responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. But the regulatory mechanism of these genes involved in stresses responses is still unrevealed. In this study, we identified a total of 16 Alfin-like genes from Brassica rapa database. The 16 putative Alfin-like proteins were divided into four groups (group I-IV) based on structural and phylogenetic analyses. Accordingly, this study analyzed stress resistance-related functions of all B. rapa Alfin-like (BrAL) genes through a homology study with existing biotic and abiotic stress resistance-related Alfin-like genes of other plant species and found a high degree of similarity with them. Subsequently, these genes were further investigated by real-time quantative PCR under cold, salt and drought stresses and after infection with Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. conglutinans in B. rapa. These genes showed an organ specific expression and all genes differentially expressed in Chiifu compared to Kenshin under cold stress. Ten and seven BrALs responded highly in Kenshin compared to Chiifu under salt and drought stresses respectively. In addition, six BrAL genes showed responsive expression after Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. conglutinans infection in B. rapa. Interestingly, four BrAL genes showed responses against both biotic and abiotic stress factors. Thus, our result provides a useful reference data set as the basis for functional analysis and utilization in the resistance molecular breeding of B. rapa.

• Md. Abdul Kayum(Department of Horticulture, Sunchon National University)
• Hee-Jeong Jung(Department of Horticulture, Sunchon National University)
• Jong-In Park(Department of Horticulture, Sunchon National University)
• Ill-Sup Nou(Department of Horticulture, Sunchon National University) Corresponding Author