Genome-Wide Identification of the MdKNOX Gene Family and Characterization of Its Transcriptional Regulation in Malus domestica

• Published in: Frontiers in plant science 2020-02, Vol.11, p.128-128
• Main Authors: Jia, Peng, Zhang, Chenguang, Xing, Libo, Li, Youmei, Shah, Kamran, Zuo, Xiya, Zhang, Dong, An, Na, Han, Mingyu, Ren, Xiaolin
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: flower induction; growth-regulating factor; Knotted1-like Homeobox; Malus domestica; Plant Science; yeast one-hybrid
• ISSN: 1664-462X; 1664-462X
• DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.00128

Knotted1-like Homeobox (KNOX) proteins play important roles in regulating plant growth, development, and other biological processes. However, little information is available on the gene family in apple ( Borkh.). In this study, 22 genes were identified in the apple genome. The gene structure, protein characteristics, and promoter region were characterized. The family members were divided into three classes based on their phylogenetic relationships. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis revealed that the majority of genes exhibited strongly preferential expression in buds and were significantly up-regulated during the flower induction period. The transcript levels of genes were responsive to treatments with flowering- and stress-related hormones. The putative upstream regulation factor could directly bind to the promoter of and , and inhibit their transcriptional activities, which were confirmed by yeast one-hybrid and dual-luciferase assays. The results provide an important foundation for future analysis of the regulation and functions of the gene family.