Expression of some transcription factors CBF (C-repeat binding factor) in rye seedlings (Secale cereale L.) under cold stress

Winter rye is one of the most important food crops in the world. Due to its high adaptability, winter hardiness and ability to yield on low-fertility soils, winter rye helps stabilize the gross grain harvest. For the vast majority of crop plants, the main stress-causing environmental factor is temperature. This is especially true for its lower values in cultivation areas. The response to low temperatures in plants is formed at the cellular level. Genes and transcription factors responsible for cold resistance are activated, which ensure plant survival. One of the most important mechanisms capable of activating the adaptive response of rye to cold is the CBF (C-repeat Binding Factor) family of transcription factors. The aim of this work was to identify the expression level of some genes of the ScCBF family (ScCBFl, ScCBF4, ScCBF14, ScCBF18) in seedlings of sowing rye (Secale cereale L.) under cold stress. S. cereale seedlings were divided into four groups based on the duration of cold stress (1, 6, 12, 24 h). One control group was not exposed to cold stress. RNA of seedlings from different cold stress groups was analyzed by real-time PCR. The study showed that the expression levels of ScCBF1, ScCBF4, ScCBF14, and ScCBF18 genes changed to varying degrees in response to low positive temperature. The highest level of normalized expression of ScCBF1 and ScCBF14 genes was observed under 6-hour cold stress. In the case of ScCBF4 gene, the highest level of its normalized expression was observed under 24-hour cold stress. The level of normalized expression of ScCBF18 gene reached its peak under 12-hour stress.