Characterization and Expression Analysis of Calcineurin B-like (CBL) Family Genes in Brassica

Calcineurin B-like (CBL) protein, a calcium-binding protein epitomizes important roles in calcium signaling of plants. Calcium signals mediate a multitude of plant responses to external stimuli and regulate a wide range of physiological processes including pathogens, abiotic stresses and hormonal stresses resistance. CBL genes play vital roles in multiple abiotic stress response pathways whereas some of these are more specifically involved in mediating ABA signaling. In this study, we collected 17 CBL genes designated as B. rapa CBL (BrCBL) from the Brassica rapa database and performed extensive analysis on gene structures, chromosome locations and EF-hand motif organizations etc. In comparison analysis, these genes showed high homology with published CBL genes of other species. In the expression analysis, an organ specific expression of these genes was observed in different organs of Chinese cabbage plants. In addition, several BrCBL genes also showed differential expression after cold, salt and drought stress treatments at certain time courses. All these data revealed the importance of CBL genes in calcium signaling and regulating cellular responses to stimuli and play a critical role against abiotic stresses. Thus, these CBL genes might be useful resources for breeding abiotic stresses resistance Brassica crops.