Abstract
The WRKY family of transcription factors plays important roles in plant growth and responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. Ammopiptanthus nanus, the only evergreen broadleaf shrub endemic to the desert and semi-desert regions of northwestern China, is highly tolerant to various stresses. However, a systematic study of WRKY proteins in A. nanus has not been reported. In the present study, we identified 63 WRKY genes in the A. nanus genome. Based on the conserved WRKY domains, zinc finger structures, and phylogenetic relationships in their encoded proteins, we classified these genes into four groups (group I–IV) and several subgroups (subgroup IIa–IIe). Conserved motif analysis showed that all motifs except those within the WRKY domains had a subfamily-specific distribution. Expression analysis revealed that the AnWRKY genes had distinct expression patterns, with some being more responsive to herbivory and drought stresses than others. Based on the results of our current study, we speculate that AnWRKY40 and AnWRKY48 are positive regulators of the plant’s response to drought and herbivory stresses, respectively. Our results indicate that AnWRKY genes contribute to the ability of A. nanus plants to withstand harsh, dry conditions.
Highlights
Ammopiptanthus nanus (Popov) Cheng F, a relic plant of the Tertiary period, belongs to the tribeThermopsideae and the family Fabaceae, and it is a xerophytic leguminous shrub endemic to CentralAsian deserts [1]
To identify A. nanus WRKY family genes, the hidden Markov model (HMM) (PF03106) profile was applied as a query to search against the local protein database
We identified 63 AnWRKY genes from the A. nanus genome, and analyzed their gene structures, conserved motifs, phylogenetic relationships, and expression patterns
Summary
Ammopiptanthus nanus (Popov) Cheng F, a relic plant of the Tertiary period, belongs to the tribeThermopsideae and the family Fabaceae, and it is a xerophytic leguminous shrub endemic to CentralAsian deserts [1]. It is the only broadleaved evergreen that is endemic to the desert areas in northwestern. Its oil can be used, and some genes in the branches and leaves may produce a medicinal effect [3] It has the effect of dispelling wind, warming, and dampness, promoting blood circulation and dispersing blood stasis from the perspective of traditional Chinese medical science [3]. In concision, it has ecological, agronomic, and medicinal value. A. nanus occurs only in the southwestern part of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and is classified as a II-class nationally protected species in China [3,4]. Due to the harsh growing environment, A. nanus is subjected to a variety of environmental stresses [4,5], including an arid climate
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