GmNF-YC4-2 Increases Protein, Exhibits Broad Disease Resistance and Expedites Maturity in Soybean

The NF-Y gene family is a highly conserved set of transcription factors. functional factor complex made up trimer between NF-YA, NF-YB, and NF-YC proteins. While mammals typically have one for each subunit, plants often multigene families subunit which contributes to wide variety combinations functions. Soybean with an overexpression particular isoform GmNF-YC4-2 (Glyma.04g196200) in soybean cultivar Williams 82, had lower amount starch its leaves, higher protein seeds, increased broad disease resistance bacterial, viral, fungal infections the field, similar effects GmNF-YC4-1 (Glyma.06g169600). Interestingly, GmNF-YC4-2-OE (overexpression) also filled pods senesced earlier, novel trait not found GmNF-YC4-1-OE plants. No yield difference was observed compared wild-type control. Sequence alignment GmNF-YC4-2, AtNF-YC1 indicated that faster maturation may be result minor sequence differences terminal ends closely related isoforms.