Identification, classification, and characterization of AP2/ERF superfamily genes in Masson pine (Pinus massoniana Lamb.)

Peihuang Zhu,Qiang Wei,Yu Chen,Kongshu Ji,Xiaofeng Wang,Ting Pan,Yanping Hao,Jinfeng Zhang,Fan Wu,Xuelian Chen,Chunwu Jiang

doi:10.1038/s41598-021-84855-w

Peihuang Zhu, Qiang Wei + Show 9 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-84855-w

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Abstract

Transcription factors (TFs) play crucial regulatory roles in controlling the expression of the target genes in plants. APETALA2/Ethylene-responsive factors (AP2/ERF) are part of a large superfamily of plant-specific TFs whose members are involved in the control of plant metabolism, development and responses to various biotic and abiotic stresses. However, the AP2/ERF superfamily has not been identified systematically in Masson pine (Pinus massoniana), which is one of the most important conifer in southern China. Therefore, we performed systematic identification of the AP2/ERF superfamily using transcriptome sequencing data from Masson pine. In the current study, we obtained 88 members of the AP2/ERF superfamily. All PmAP2/ERF members could be classified into 3 main families, AP2 (7 members), RAV (7 members), ERF (73 members) families, and a soloist protein. Subcellular localization assays suggested that two members of PmAP2/ERF were nuclear proteins. Based on pine wood nematode (PWN) inoculated transcriptome and qPCR analysis, we found that many members of PmAP2/ERF could respond to PWN inoculation and PWN related treatment conditions in vitro. In general, members of the AP2/ERF superfamily play an important role in the response of Masson pine responds to PWN. Furthermore, the roles of the AP2/ERF superfamily in other physiological activities of Masson pine remain to be further studied.

Highlights

Transcription factors (TFs) play crucial regulatory roles in controlling the expression of the target genes in plants[1]
We identified a total of 88 putative full-length APETALA2/Ethylene-responsive factors (AP2/ERF) family genes (PmAP2/ERF1- PmAP2/ERF88, Pm is the abbreviation for Pinus massoniana) from Masson pine (Table S1)
Among the proteins encoded by these genes, 7 containing two Apetala 2 (AP2) domains each were annotated as AP2 family TFs, while 7 containing a single AP2 domain along with a B3 domain were grouped into the RAV family

Summary

Introduction

Transcription factors (TFs) play crucial regulatory roles in controlling the expression of the target genes in plants[1]. Masson pine (Pinus massoniana) is an economically and ecologically important evergreen conifer in southern China and is one of the most important forest tree s pecies[18,19]. It is widely used in the production of solid wood and r esin[20]. Liu et al reported that some members of the AP2/ERF superfamily had higher expression in PWN resistant plants than in susceptible Masson pine plants, suggesting that the AP2/. Several genes of AP2/ERF were subjected to qPCR analysis, to test there expression patterns in Masson pine needles under treatments in vitro associated with pine wood nematode (PWN). We identified and classified the AP2/ERF superfamily genes in Masson pine, lays a foundation for future study of AP2/ERF and facilitates future research on the responses to environmental stresses in Masson pine

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