Transcriptome-wide identification and expression analysis of chrysanthemum SBP-like transcription factors

Area of Science:

• Plant Molecular Biology
• Genomics
• Transcriptomics

Background:

• SQUAMOSA promoter-binding protein (SBP) transcription factors regulate diverse plant processes.
• Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium) is a significant ornamental plant with complex genetic pathways.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the SBP-like (SPL) gene family in chrysanthemum.
• To investigate the roles of chrysanthemum SPL (CmSPL) genes in response to phytohormones and abiotic stresses.

Main Methods:

• Isolation and amplification of twelve CmSPL genes based on transcriptomic data.
• Phylogenetic analysis to identify orthologous and paralogous relationships.
• Bioinformatic analysis including conserved motif identification and miRNA target site prediction.
• 5' RLM-RACE to map miRNA cleavage sites.
• Expression analysis under various phytohormone and abiotic stress treatments.

Main Results:

• Twelve distinct CmSPL genes were identified and characterized.
• Phylogenetic analysis revealed orthologous and paralogous relationships with Arabidopsis.
• Bioinformatics predicted miR156 and miR157 targeting sites in six and five CmSPL genes, respectively.
• 5' RLM-RACE confirmed cleavage sites in CmSPL2 and CmSPL3.
• Expression profiling demonstrated CmSPL gene responses to phytohormones and abiotic stresses.

Conclusions:

• The study provides a comprehensive characterization of the chrysanthemum SPL gene family.
• Identified CmSPL genes are involved in phytohormone and abiotic stress responses.
• This research contributes to understanding the functional diversity of SPL genes in stress adaptation.