Genome-wide analysis and environmental response profiling of the FK506-binding protein gene family in maize (Zea mays L.)

The FK506-binding proteins (FKBPs) belong to the peptidyl-prolyl cis/trans isomerase (PPlase) superfamily, and have been implicated in a wide spectrum of biological processes, including protein folding, hormone signaling, plant growth, and stress responses. Genome-wide structural and evolutionary analyses of the entire FKBP gene family have been conducted in Arabidopsis and rice. In the present study, a genome-wide analysis was performed to identify all maize FKBP genes. The availability of complete maize genome sequences allowed for the identification of 24 FKBP genes. Chromosomal locations in the maize genome were determined and the protein domain and motif organization of ZmFKBPs analyzed. The phylogenetic relationships between maize FKBPs were also assessed. The expression profiles of ZmFKBP genes were measured under different environmental conditions and revealed distinct ZmFKBP gene expression patterns under heat, cold, salt, and drought stress. These data not only contribute to a better understanding of the complex regulation of the maize FKBP gene family, but also provide evidence supporting the role of FKBPs in multiple signaling pathways involved in stress responses. This investigation may provide valuable information for further research on stress tolerance in plants and potential strategies for enhancing maize survival under stressful conditions. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.