Abstract Key message TaDJA-6D boosts wheat regeneration and transformation efficiency across genotypes, offering a new molecular breeding resource. Abstract As a key member of the heat shock protein 40 family, the co-chaperone DnaJ proteins play a crucial role in plant growth, development, and stress responses. However, very few studies have focused on the function of DnaJ protein in wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.). Here, we characterized a DnaJ family gene from wheat, TaDJA-6D , ( TraesCS6D02G232600 ) and analyzed its spatiotemporal expression pattern. During wheat regeneration, the transcriptional expression level of the TaDJA-6D gene was continuously upregulated with the extension of tissue culture time; in situ hybridization revealed that the genes were highly expressed in the vigorously dividing regions of wheat calli. Functional analysis demonstrated that, compared with the control vector, overexpression of TaDJA-6D significantly improved the wheat regeneration and transformation efficiency across diverse wheat genotypes, including Fielder, Kenong 199, Yanda 1817 and Xiaoyan 6. Our findings suggest that TaDJA-6D plays an important role in the process of wheat regeneration and genetic transformation. This study deepens our understanding of the functions of wheat co-chaperone proteins and provides novel genetic resources for efficient wheat transformation.
Li et al. (Mon,) studied this question.