Identification and Expression Analysis of SLAC/SLAH Gene Family in Brassica napus L.

Slow type anion channels (SLAC/SLAHs) play important roles during anion transport, growth and development, abiotic stress responses and hormone responses in plants. However, there is few report on SLAC/SLAHs in rapeseed (Brassica napus). Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of SLAC/SLAH gene family members were performed in B. napus. A total of 23 SLAC/SLAH genes were identified in B. napus. Based on the structural characteristics and phylogenetic analysis of these members, the SLAC/SLAHs could be classified into three main groups. Transcriptome data demonstrated that BnSLAH3 genes were detected in various tissues of the rapeseed and could be up-regulated by low nitrate treatment in roots. BnSLAC/SLAHs were exclusively localized on the plasma membrane in transient expression of tobacco leaves. These results will increase our understanding of the evolution and expression of the SLAC/SLAHs and provide evidence for further research of biological functions of candidates in B. napus.

Automated summary

This study identified 23 SLAC/SLAH genes in rapeseed and classified them into three main groups based on structural characteristics and phylogenetic analysis. The transcriptome data showed that BnSLAH3 genes were expressed in various tissues of rapeseed and could be up-regulated by low nitrate treatment in roots. In transient expression of tobacco leaves, BnSLAC/SLAHs were exclusively localized on the plasma membrane.