Phenotypic and Transcriptomic Analyses of Transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana Expressing Cotton Zinc Finger Protein8 (GhZFP8)

Background: The functional role of GhZFP8 (a zinc finger protein gene) in plant growth and development remains unclear. Methods: This study investigated phenotypic and transcriptomic changes in GhZFP8-transgenic vs. wild-type Arabidopsis to clarify GhZFP8’s biological functions. Phenotypes of two transgenic lines (ZFP8_7, ZFP8_21) were observed. Transcriptome sequencing (ZFP8_7 vs. wild-type, 3 biological replicates/sample) was performed, with quality assessment (coverage, depth, alignment rate). Differential genes were screened by |log2(fold change)| > 1 and FDR < 0.05; GO/KEGG enrichment analyses were conducted. Results: Transgenic lines showed slower growth, higher trichome density, ectopic silique trichomes, and reduced fertility. Sequencing quality was satisfactory (97.42% exonic alignment). Most differential genes were highly expressed in wild-type plants, with more downregulated than upregulated genes. Upregulated genes enriched in stimulus response regulation, plant cell walls, and methyltransferase activity (GO); estrogen signaling/tyrosine metabolism (KEGG). Downregulated genes enriched in cell wall/phenylpropanoid biosynthesis (GO); glycosyltransferase/plant MAPK pathways (KEGG). Conclusions:GhZFP8 overexpression induces significant phenotypic changes and alters gene expression in Arabidopsis. Findings provide insights into GhZFP8’s effects, supporting further study of its functional mechanisms.