Identification of <i>AP2/ERF</i> Transcription Factors and Characterization of <i>AP2/ERF</i> Genes Related to Low-Temperature Stress Response and Fruit Development in Luffa
Plant-specific APETALA2/Ethylene-Responsive Factor (AP2/ERF) transcription factors are involved in the regulation of genes associated with the growth and developmental processes of numerous plants. Although AP2/ERF proteins from other species have been intensively studied, no studies have been repor...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2024-10-01
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| Series: | Agronomy |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4395/14/11/2509 |
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| Summary: | Plant-specific APETALA2/Ethylene-Responsive Factor (AP2/ERF) transcription factors are involved in the regulation of genes associated with the growth and developmental processes of numerous plants. Although AP2/ERF proteins from other species have been intensively studied, no studies have been reported on the AP2/ERF family of <i>Luffa cylindrica</i>, an important vegetable of the cucurbit family, and one of the most popular vegetables in the world. In this study, 133 genes (315–6696 bp) encoding LcAP2/ERF proteins with complete AP2/ERF domains were identified according to the luffa P93075 genome. These <i>LcAP2/ERF</i> genes were subsequently classified and analyzed for their gene structures, chromosomal distribution locations, promoter cis-acting elements, conserved structural domains of encoded proteins, and responses to abiotic stresses. The <i>LcAP2/ERF</i> genes were identified and divided into five phylogenetic groups (AP2, DREBs, ERFs, RAV, and soloists). These genes were unevenly distributed across 13 chromosomes. An analysis of gene structures indicated the <i>LcAP2/ERF</i> genes contained 0–11 introns (average of 4.4). Additionally, 16 motifs were identified in the LcAP2/ERF proteins that were conserved across different phylogenetic groups. Moreover, 11 cis-acting elements associated with response to the environment were analyzed in a 2000 bp region upstream of the <i>LcAP2/ERF</i> gene promoters. A transcriptome analysis involving RNA-seq data revealed tissue-specific <i>LcAP2/ERF</i> expression profiles and the diversity in <i>LcAP2/ERF</i> expression. The effects of low-temperature stress on <i>LcAP2/ERF</i> expression were determined. Furthermore, fruit-development-related and low-temperature-induced expressional changes were verified by RT-qPCR analyses of 14 differentially expressed <i>LcAP2/ERF</i> genes in luffa. Our findings will help clarify the evolution of the luffa <i>AP2/ERF</i> family, while also providing valuable insights for future studies on AP2/ERF functions. |
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| ISSN: | 2073-4395 |