bZIP transcription factors repress the expression of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) high molecular weight glutenin subunit genes in vegetative tissues

Abstract High molecular weight glutenin subunits (HMW GS) represent an important fraction of endosperm-specific seed-storage proteins that provide elasticity to bread dough. Previously, the second cis -regulatory module (CRM2) was found be one most conserved part HMW GS promoters, which indicated its pre-eminent role in their gene regulation. Here, we observed deletion CRM2 from promoters Bx7 and By8 genes increased leakage transient expression wheat leaf tissue. The effect a VP1, Myb antisense bZIP transcription factor (TF)-binding site, potentially involved regulation within CRM2, then studied. activity promoter containing mutant with altered VP1 TF-binding sites, but intact similarly low wild type leaves. Transactivation analysis EMSA binding TFs TabZIP34 TabZIP115 Skn-1 motif GTCAT repression may downregulation vegetative tissues early-stage endosperm as well modulation during seed maturation.