Identification of wheat DREB genes and functional characterization of TaDREB3 in response to abiotic stresses

As an important transcription factor family, DREB transcription factors play important roles in response to abiotic stresses. In this study, we identified wheat DREB genes at genome-level, and characterized the functions of TaDREB genes. Totally, there are 210 TaDREB genes, which can be divided into 6 subgroups. Some of these genes display tissue-specific expression patterns. Among them, the expression of three TaDREB3 homoeologous genes is induced by abiotic stresses. Meanwhile, as alternatively spliced genes, they generate three isoforms respectively. Transcripts I and II encode DREB proteins, while transcript III does not generate DREB proteins. Transgenic Arabidopsis over-expressing TaDREB3-AI displayed enhanced resistance to drought, salt and heat stresses. The physical indexes and the expression of stress-related genes further verified the functions in response to abiotic stresses. Our results lay a foundation for further study of wheat DREB genes. Especially, our findings indicate that TaDREB3 genes can be used for crop genetic improvement.