RESULTS: The analysis identified 146 ZbAP2/ERF genes that could be classified into 15 subgroups. The motif analysis revealed the presence of different motifs or elements in each group that may explain the functional differences between the groups. ZbERF13.2, ZbRAP2-12, and ZbERF2.1 showed high levels of expression in the early stages of fruit development. ZbRAP2-4, and ZbERF3.1 were significantly expressed at the fruit coloring stage (R2 and G2). ZbERF16 were significantly expressed at fruit ripening and expression level increased as the fruit continued to develop. Relative gene expression levels of 6 representative ZbAP2/ERFs assessed by RT-qPCR agreed with transcriptome analysis results.
CONCLUSIONS: These genes identified by screening can be used as candidate genes that affect fruit development. The results of the analysis can help guide future genetic improvement of Chinese prickly ash and enrich our understanding of AP2/ERF transcription factors and their regulatory functions in plants.
结果:分析确定了146个ZbAP2/ERF基因,可分为15个亚组。基序分析显示每个组中存在不同的基序或元素,这可以解释组之间的功能差异。ZbERF13.2,ZbRAP2-12和ZbERF2.1在果实发育的早期阶段显示出高水平的表达。ZbRAP2-4和ZbERF3.1在果实着色期(R2和G2)显著表达。ZbERF16在果实成熟时显著表达,并且随着果实继续发育,表达水平增加。通过RT-qPCR评估的6个代表性ZbAP2/ERF的相对基因表达水平与转录组分析结果一致。
结论:通过筛选鉴定的这些基因可用作影响果实发育的候选基因。分析结果有助于指导花椒的遗传改良,丰富我们对植物AP2/ERF转录因子及其调控功能的认识。