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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2025-02-01
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| author | Lanjun Luo Liping Zhang Ronghao Gu Shihao Ni Jingyao Yu Yachao Gao Chuanying Fang |
| author_facet | Lanjun Luo Liping Zhang Ronghao Gu Shihao Ni Jingyao Yu Yachao Gao Chuanying Fang |
| author_sort | Lanjun Luo |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | 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. |
| format | Article |
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| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 2223-7747 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-02-01 |
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| series | Plants |
| spelling | doaj-art-d0e568c61d4d4dac8c3a41902ab108af2025-08-20T02:59:00ZengMDPI AGPlants2223-77472025-02-0114564510.3390/plants14050645Genome-Wide Identification and Functional Analysis of <i>AP2/ERF</i> Gene Family in <i>Passiflora edulis</i> SimsLanjun Luo0Liping Zhang1Ronghao Gu2Shihao Ni3Jingyao Yu4Yachao Gao5Chuanying Fang6School of Breeding and Multiplication (Sanya Institute of Breeding and Multiplication), Hainan University, Sanya 572025, ChinaSchool of Breeding and Multiplication (Sanya Institute of Breeding and Multiplication), Hainan University, Sanya 572025, ChinaSchool of Breeding and Multiplication (Sanya Institute of Breeding and Multiplication), Hainan University, Sanya 572025, ChinaSchool of Tropical Agriculture and Forestry, Hainan University, Danzhou 571737, ChinaSchool of Breeding and Multiplication (Sanya Institute of Breeding and Multiplication), Hainan University, Sanya 572025, ChinaSchool of Breeding and Multiplication (Sanya Institute of Breeding and Multiplication), Hainan University, Sanya 572025, ChinaSchool of Breeding and Multiplication (Sanya Institute of Breeding and Multiplication), Hainan University, Sanya 572025, ChinaThe 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.https://www.mdpi.com/2223-7747/14/5/645passion fruitAP2/ERFpostharvest storage<i>PeSTP6</i>flavor |
| spellingShingle | Lanjun Luo Liping Zhang Ronghao Gu Shihao Ni Jingyao Yu Yachao Gao Chuanying Fang Genome-Wide Identification and Functional Analysis of <i>AP2/ERF</i> Gene Family in <i>Passiflora edulis</i> Sims Plants passion fruit AP2/ERF postharvest storage <i>PeSTP6</i> flavor |
| title | Genome-Wide Identification and Functional Analysis of <i>AP2/ERF</i> Gene Family in <i>Passiflora edulis</i> Sims |
| title_full | Genome-Wide Identification and Functional Analysis of <i>AP2/ERF</i> Gene Family in <i>Passiflora edulis</i> Sims |
| title_fullStr | Genome-Wide Identification and Functional Analysis of <i>AP2/ERF</i> Gene Family in <i>Passiflora edulis</i> Sims |
| title_full_unstemmed | Genome-Wide Identification and Functional Analysis of <i>AP2/ERF</i> Gene Family in <i>Passiflora edulis</i> Sims |
| title_short | Genome-Wide Identification and Functional Analysis of <i>AP2/ERF</i> Gene Family in <i>Passiflora edulis</i> Sims |
| title_sort | genome wide identification and functional analysis of i ap2 erf i gene family in i passiflora edulis i sims |
| topic | passion fruit AP2/ERF postharvest storage <i>PeSTP6</i> flavor |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2223-7747/14/5/645 |
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