Comparative and Expression Analyses of AP2/ERF Genes Reveal Copy Number Expansion and Potential Functions of ERF Genes in Solanaceae

Overview

Journal BMC Plant Biol

Publisher Biomed Central

Specialty Biology

Date 2023 Jan 22

PMID 36683040

Authors

Jin-Wook Choi

Hyeon Ho Choi

Young-Soo Park

Min-Jeong Jang

Seungill Kim

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background: The AP2/ERF gene family is a superfamily of transcription factors that are important in the response of plants to abiotic stress and development. However, comprehensive research of the AP2/ERF genes in the Solanaceae family is lacking.

Results: Here, we updated the annotation of AP2/ERF genes in the genomes of eight Solanaceae species, as well as Arabidopsis thaliana and Oryza sativa. We identified 2,195 AP2/ERF genes, of which 368 (17%) were newly identified. Based on phylogenetic analyses, we observed expansion of the copy number of these genes, especially those belonging to specific Ethylene-Responsive Factor (ERF) subgroups of the Solanaceae. From the results of chromosomal location and synteny analyses, we identified that the AP2/ERF genes of the pepper (Capsicum annuum), the tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), and the potato (Solanum tuberosum) belonging to ERF subgroups form a tandem array and most of them are species-specific without orthologs in other species, which has led to differentiation of AP2/ERF gene repertory among Solanaceae. We suggest that these genes mainly emerged through recent gene duplication after the divergence of these species. Transcriptome analyses showed that the genes have a putative function in the response of the pepper and tomato to abiotic stress, especially those in ERF subgroups.

Conclusions: Our findings will provide comprehensive information on AP2/ERF genes and insights into the structural, evolutionary, and functional understanding of the role of these genes in the Solanaceae.

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