Identification and expression analysis of the GATA gene family in Populus davidiana × P. alba var. pyramidalis

To investigate the role of GATA transcription factors in salt stress response, we characterized the PdaGATAs gene family in Populus davidiana × P. alba var. pyramidalis using transcriptome database analysis and bioinformatics tools. Bioinformatics analysis was used to examine the physicochemical properties, phylogeny, conserved motifs of PdaGATAs, and the expression patterns was explored by RT-qPCR in was different tissues under salt stress. The results show that 24 GATA transcription factor genes were identified in Populus davidiana × P. alba var. pyramidalis. Phylogenetic analysis and multiple sequence alignment revealed that PdaGATAs were classified into 4 subfamilies, all containing a conserved zinc finger domain with high structural homology within subfamilies. PdaGATAs have close relationships with GATA members from Populus trichocarpa and Populus euphratica, with promoters harboring hormone and stress-responsive elements. RT-qPCR results demonstrated tissue-specific expression patterns: PdaGATA18 showed highest expression in stems, PdaGATA1, 2, and 20 were significantly expressed in roots, and most PdaGATAs exhibited high expression levels in leaves. Under salt stress, expression profiles of PdaGATAs changed significantly, with notable upregulation of PdaGATA4, 7, 13, 14, and 15, suggesting their critical regulatory roles in salt stress adaptation in Populus davidiana × P. alba var. pyramidalis.