RVE1, DBB1b, and COL2 Transcription Factors Are Responsive to Combined Stress by UV-B Radiation and Cold in Bell Pepper (Capsicum annuum)

Ultraviolet-B radiation (UV-B) and cold limit the growth and development of plants, which generates changes in gene expression. This allows plants to respond to stress through regulatory proteins, such as transcription factors, that activate or repress the expression of stress-response genes. RNA-Seq data and WGCNA analyses were utilized to identify the hub genes. Our study found a total of 25, 24, and 29 transcription factors at different time points T1, T2, and T3, respectively, under combined stress (ultraviolet-B radiation and cold). RVE1 (MYB-related), COL2 (CO-like), and DBB1b (DBB) were identified as candidate hub genes. Moreover, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment showed that RVE1, DBB1b, and COL2 were mostly involved in energy production, the antioxidant system (enzymatic and non-enzymatic), signaling through abscisic acid and CA(2+), response to light stimulus, and cellular homeostasis. These findings provide the basis for further investigation related to UV-B radiation and cold stress response mechanisms in plants.

Automated summary

Ultraviolet-B radiation and cold stress restrict plant growth and development, leading to changes in gene expression. This study identified hub genes through RNA-Seq data and WGCNA analyses. A total of 25, 24, and 29 transcription factors were found at different time points under combined stress. RVE1, COL2, and DBB1b were identified as candidate hub genes. Furthermore, GO and KEGG enrichment analysis revealed their involvement in energy production, antioxidant system, signaling pathways, light response, and cellular homeostasis. These findings lay the foundation for further investigation into plant responses to UV-B radiation and cold stress.