Genome-Wide Identification and Functional Analysis of <i>AP2/ERF</i> Gene Family in <i>Passiflora edulis</i> Sims

Genome-Wide Identification and Functional Analysis of <i>AP2/ERF</i> Gene Family in <i>Passiflora edulis</i> Sims

The Apetala2/Ethylene Responsive Factor (AP2/ERF) family represents a critical group of transcription factors in plants, recognized for their roles in growth, development, fruit ripening, and postharvest processes. This study aimed to identify and characterize the <i>AP2/ERF</i> gene fam...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Lanjun Luo, Liping Zhang, Ronghao Gu, Shihao Ni, Jingyao Yu, Yachao Gao, Chuanying Fang
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-02-01
Series:Plants
Subjects:
passion fruit
AP2/ERF
postharvest storage
<i>PeSTP6</i>
flavor
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2223-7747/14/5/645
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Summary:The Apetala2/Ethylene Responsive Factor (AP2/ERF) family represents a critical group of transcription factors in plants, recognized for their roles in growth, development, fruit ripening, and postharvest processes. This study aimed to identify and characterize the <i>AP2/ERF</i> gene family in passion fruit (<i>Passiflora edulis</i> Sims) and investigate their potential roles in flavor enhancement. A total of 91 <i>PeAP2/ERF</i> genes were identified and classified into five subfamilies. Chromosome localization and collinearity analysis demonstrated their distribution across all nine chromosomes of passion fruit, with tandem duplication events identified as a key driver of family expansion. Exon–intron configurations and motif compositions were highly conserved among <i>PeAP2/ERF</i> genes. Promoter cis-acting element analysis indicated potential regulation by environmental signals, including abiotic and biotic stresses, as well as hormonal cues. Postharvest storage induced the expression of 59 <i>PeAP2/ERF</i> genes over time. Notably, <i>PeAP2-10</i> was found to enhance the expression of <i>PeSTP6</i>, a gene associated with sugar transport, suggesting its potential influence on the flavor profile of passion fruit. These findings provide valuable insights into the functional roles of <i>PeAP2</i>/<i>ERF</i> genes in passion fruit, highlighting their significance in postharvest management and flavor quality enhancement strategies.
ISSN:2223-7747

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