Genome wide characterization of IDZ gene family in Arabidopsis thaliana and Triticum aestivum checking the response of TaIDZ genes against cold stress.

The IDZ (Inhibitor of Differentiation/DNA-binding Zinc finger) gene family in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) plays a very crucial role in response to cold stress. This study offers a comprehensive analysis of the IDZ genes in both T. aestivum and Arabidopsis thaliana, revealing significant insights into their evolutionary conservation, structural attributes, and functional divergence. Phylogenetic analysis grouped these genes into distinct clusters, suggesting shared regulatory functions and evolutionary origins. Gene expression analysis using RNA-seq data (bioproject PRJNA901148) and qRT-PCR validation highlighted differential expression patterns under cold stress. The RNA-seq dataset was derived from leaf tissues collected at 0 h, 6 h, 12 h, and 24 h under control and cold stress. Notably, genes such as TaIDZ9, TaIDZ10, and TaIDZ11 exhibited strong upregulation, indicating their involvement in enhancing cold tolerance. Conversely, genes such as TaIDZ4 were downregulated, suggesting a complex regulatory mechanism. Further analysis of the promoter regions identified various cis-regulatory elements, providing insights into the transcriptional control mechanisms. Physicochemical properties and subcellular localization analyses of IDZ proteins highlighted their predominantly nuclear localization and hydrophilic nature. This study underscores the importance of IDZ genes in cold stress response and provides a foundation for future functional studies aimed at improving cold tolerance in wheat.