Genome-wide identification of WOX gene family in apple and a functional analysis of MdWOX4b during adventitious root formation

doi:10.1016/S2095-3119(21)63768-1

摘要/Abstract

摘要：

WOX基因家族是植物特有的一类转录因子，该家族基因在植物生长发育过程发挥重要的功能。本研究在全基因组水平共鉴定到18个苹果WOX家族基因，通过构建系统发育树将这些基因分为三类，保守结构域和基因结构分析得到的分类结果与系统发育结果一致。同线性分析结果表明全基因组复制和片段重复在苹果WOX家族扩张中发挥重要作用。通过实时荧光定量分析，发现苹果WOX基因呈现组织特异性表达，同时MdWOX4a, MdWOX4b, MdWOX5b, MdWOX11/12a和MdWOX11/12b可能在不定根发生过程起到重要的作用。通过转基因烟草不定根发生能力分析，表明过表达MdWOX4b基因显著增强不定根发生能力。以上研究为以后进一步研究MdWOX基因在苹果砧木发育中的功能奠定了基础。

Abstract: The plant-specific WUSCHEL-related homeobox (WOX) genes are crucial for plant growth and development. Here, we systematically identified the MdWOX gene family in apple at the genome-wide level, and analyzed the phylogenetic relationships, conserved motifs, gene structure, and syntenic relationships of the MdWOX genes. A total of 18 MdWOX genes were identified and phylogenetic analysis placed them into three clades. The phylogenetic relationships among the WOXs were further supported by the analyses of gene structure and conserved motifs. Chromosomal distribution and synteny analysis revealed that whole-genome and segmental duplications have played key roles in MdWOX gene family expansion. Moreover, the MdWOX genes exhibit tissue-specific expression patterns and MdWOX4a, MdWOX4b, MdWOX5b, MdWOX11/12a, and MdWOX11/12b may play essential roles in adventitious root development. The adventitious rooting ability was enhanced in MdWOX4b transgenic tobacco lines. The results of this study provide useful information for future functional studies on MdWOXs in the development of apple rootstocks.

Key words: WOX gene , apple , adventitious root , rootstock

. [J]. Journal of Integrative Agriculture, 2022, 21(5): 1332-1345.

XU Xiao-zhao, CHE Qin-qin, CHENG Chen-xia, YUAN Yong-bing, WANG Yong-zhang. Genome-wide identification of WOX gene family in apple and a functional analysis of MdWOX4b during adventitious root formation[J]. Journal of Integrative Agriculture, 2022, 21(5): 1332-1345.

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