Identification and expression analysis of the CqSnRK2 gene family and a functional study of the CqSnRK2.12 gene in quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.)

BACKGROUND: Sucrose non-fermenting 1 (SNF1)-associated protein kinase 2 (SnRK2) proteins belong to a relatively small family of plant-specific serine/threonine (Ser/Thr) protein kinases. SnRK2s participate in the abscisic acid (ABA) signaling pathway and play important roles in many biotic and abiotic stresses. At present, no SnRK2 gene has been reported in quinoa, and the recently published genome for this species provides an opportunity to identify and characterize the SnRK2 gene family. RESULTS: We identified 13 SnRK2 genes in the C. quinoa genome by bioinformatics analysis. Based on their phylogenetic relationships, these genes were divided into three subfamilies, similar to the situation in other plant species. Gene duplication analysis showed that there were seven pairs of homologous genes in the CqSnRK2 family, and that purifying selection played an important role in the evolution of SnRK2 genes. Gene structure analysis showed that the first exon in the SnRK2 family genes has the same length as the last exon, and that CqSnRK2 genes in the same subfamily have similar gene structures. Sequence analysis showed that the N-terminal region contains three highly conserved motifs. In addition, many kinds of cis-elements were identified in the promoter region of CqSnRK2, including those for hormone responses, stress responses, and tissue-specific expression. Transcription data analysis and qRT-PCR results showed that CqSnRK2 has different expression patterns in roots, stems, and leaves, and responded to biotic and abiotic stresses such as low temperature, salt, drought, and abscisic acid (ABA). In addition, we found that the protein encoded by CqSnRK2.12 was localized to the cytoplasm and nucleus, and there was no self-activation. The results of CqSnRK2.12 overexpression showed that transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana lines had increased drought tolerance compared to the controls. CONCLUSION: The results of our study provide references for further studies on the evolution, function, and expression of the SnRK2 gene family in quinoa. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-022-08626-1.