Functional Characterization of Tea Plant (Camellia sinensis L.) CsCBF2 Gene Involved in Multiple Abiotic Stress Response in Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.)

C-repeat binding factors/dehydration responsive element factors 1 (CBFs/DREB1s) are a small family of transcription that play important roles in plant resistance to various external stresses. However, functional characterization tea (Camellia sinensis L.) CBF gene (CsCBF) was still seldom reported. Here, study the cold-responsive (CsCBF2) done. Results showed CsCBF2 had conserved AP2 DNA-binding domain and typical PKK/RPAGRxKFxETRHP DSAWR signature sequences CBF/DREB1. Yeast one-hybrid activation assays revealed could activate reporter expression, N terminal displayed an inhibitory effect. Although bind C-repeat/dehydration-responsive (CRT/DRE), intact protein preferred CRT cis element. Under normal growth conditions, CsCBF2-overexpressing tobacco plants (CsCBF2-OX) exhibited lighter green leaf color, retardation, dwarfism. Smaller CsCBF2-OX only seen eight weeks after been sown soil. cold, salinity, or drought stress, better growing with longer roots, heavier fresh weight, higher germination rate, accumulated more proline sugar contents, but lower electrolyte leakage. The results demonstrated enhanced tolerance multiple abiotic