Comprehensive genomic analysis and expression profiling of the BTB and TAZ (BT) genes in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.)

BTB-TAZ (BT) proteins are plant-specific transcription factors containing a BTB domain and a TAZ domain. They play vital roles in various biological processes and stress responses. In this study, a total of three BT genes (CsBT1–3) were identified from cucumber genome, and they were unevenly distributed in two of the seven chromosomes. Phylogenetic analysis of the BT proteins from cucumber, Arabidopsis, apple, tomato, and rice revealed that these proteins could be distinctly divided into two groups in accordance with their motif distributions. We also determined the structures of BT genes from cucumber, Arabidopsis, and rice to demonstrate their differences. The quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) results showed that the CsBT genes displayed differential expression patterns in cucumber tissues, and their expression was regulated by cold, salt, and drought stresses. These findings suggest that CsBT genes may participate in cucumber development and responses to various abiotic stresses.