Abstract
The basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor family is a superfamily found in all eukaryotes that plays important roles in regulating growth and development. Over the past several decades, many bHLH superfamily genes have been identified and characterized in herbaceous and woody plants. However, the genes belonging to the bHLH superfamily in peach (Prunus persica) have not yet been comprehensively identified and characterized. Here, we identified 95 members of the bHLH superfamily in the peach genome, and these genes were classified into 19 subfamilies based on a phylogenetic comparison with bHLH proteins from Arabidopsis. The members within each subfamily were highly conserved according to the analysis of motif compositions and exon/intron organizations. The 95 bHLH genes were unevenly distributed on chromosomes 1 to 8 of the peach genome. We identified 57 pairs of bHLH members that were orthologous between peach and Arabidopsis. Additionally, 48 pairs of paralogous bHLH genes were identified on the eight chromosomes of the peach genome. Coupled with relative expression analysis of bHLH genes in red-fleshed peach fruit at five developmental stages, we identified several bHLH genes that might be involved in fruit development and anthocyanin biosynthesis. This study provides insight into the molecular mechanisms through which these genes are involved in the regulation of biological and biochemical processes in peach and lays the foundation for further studies on these genes.
Highlights
Transcription factors (TFs) play key roles in various physiological and biochemical processes in different tissues at different developmental stages in plants, mainly by repressing or activating related downstream genes to regulate gene expression, thereby controlling the growth, development, and stress response of plants [1,2]
Compared with the number of basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) genes identified in other plant species in previous studies, fewer bHLH superfamily genes were identified in peach in this study
This study constitutes the first comprehensive and systematic analysis of bHLH superfamily genes in peach based on the whole-genome sequence
Summary
Transcription factors (TFs) play key roles in various physiological and biochemical processes in different tissues at different developmental stages in plants, mainly by repressing or activating related downstream genes to regulate gene expression, thereby controlling the growth, development, and stress response of plants [1,2]. The basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) superfamily is considered the second largest TF family and is found across eukaryotic kingdoms. Proteins of the bHLH superfamily in all eukaryotic organisms are characterized by a highly conserved bHLH domain, which is approximately 50–60 amino acids in length and is divided. Analysis of peach bHLH superfamily had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
