Identification,evolution and expression analysis of the NRT gene family in Capsicum annuum
[Objectives]The study aimed to identify the members of the nitrate transporter protein(NRT)gene family in Capsicum annuum,and analyze their basic properties,chromosomal location,evolutionary relationships,and expression characteristics across different tissues,developmental stages of fruits,and under various abiotic stresses.[Methods]The NRT gene family was analyzed with the bioinformatics methods in genome of'Zunla 1'pepper,and the physical and chemical properties of protein,the gene structure,chromosome localization,collinearity analysis,cis-acting elements and evolutionary relationship were determined.Transcriptome data were utilized to examine the expression characteristics of NRT genes in various tissues and fruits during varying developmental stages.The expression profiles were also analyzed under variant abiotic stresses using RT-qPCR.[Results]A total of 73 CaNRT genes were identified in C.annuum and unevenly distributed on 10 chromosomes.The phylogenetic analysis revealed that these genes could be grouped into three subfamilies,with a similar gene structure and conserved motifs.The cis-acting element analysis results suggested that CaNRT genes might be regulated by various factors,including light,hormones and adversity stress.Members of the CaNRT1 subfamily exhibited high expression predominantly in roots,stems,and leaves.The CaNRT2 subfamily displayed low expression at all times,while the CaNRT3 subfamily showed differential tissue expression and was primarily highly expressed in roots.The abiotic stress data showed that CaNRT1.18,CaNRT3.3,CaNRT3.1,CaNRT2.1 and CaNRT1.23 responded more strongly to low temperature,high temperature,drought,salt and oxidative treatments.All CaNRT genes exhibited a positive reaction to varying degrees under low-temperature treatment.[Conclusions]73 CaNRT genes were identified in the pepper genome,and several key genes were screened which were involved in the regulation of growth and development and response to multiple abiotic stresses.