Analysis of codon use features of <I>CBF</I> gene in <I>Camellia sinensis</I>

CBF (C-repeat-binding factor) transcription factor exists widely in all kinds of plants. It is an important regulative factor in the process of plant resistance adversity. In this paper, Camellia sinensis CBF1 gene sequence was analyzed by Codon W, CHIPS, and CUSP programs online, and then compared with C. sinensis genes, genomes in other species, and CBF genes from 39 plant species. It is important to identify the codon usage of CsCBF1 gene and select appropriate expression systems. The results showed that CsCBF1 gene and selected 70 C. sinensis genes had distinct usage differences. CsCBF1 gene was bias toward the synonymous codons with G and C at the third codon position, but 70 C. sinensis genes were bias toward the synonymous codons with A and T. The differences in codon usage frequency between CsCBF1 gene and dicotyledons such as Arabidopsis thaliana and Nicotiana tobacum were less than monocotyledons such as wheat (Triticum aestivum) and corn (Zea mays). Therefore, A. thaliana and N. tobacum expression systems may be more suitable for the expression of CsCBF1 gene. The analysis results of CBF genes from 40 plant species also showed that most of the CBF genes were bias toward the synonymous codons with G and C at the third codon position. The reason of this phenomenon is possible due to special functions of these genes.