Genome-wide identification and characterization of the AP2/ERF gene family in loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.)

The loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) is one of the most profitable forest species worldwide owing to its quick growth, high wood yields, and strong adaptability. The AP2/ERF gene family plays a widespread role in the physiological processes of plant defense responses and the biosynthesis of metabolites. Nevertheless, there are no reports on this gene family in loblolly pine (P. taeda). In this study, a total of 303 members of the AP2/ERF gene family were identified. Through multiple sequence alignment and phylogenetic analysis, they were classified into four subfamilies, including AP2 (34), RAV (17), ERF (251), and Soloist (1). An analysis of the conservation domains, conserved motifs, and gene structure revealed that every PtAP2/ERF transcription factor (TF) had at least one AP2 domain. While evolutionary conservation was displayed within the same subfamilies, the distribution of conserved domains, conserved motifs, and gene architectures varied between subfamilies. Cis-element analysis revealed abundant light-responsive elements, phytohormone-responsive elements, and stress-responsive elements in the promoter of the PtAP2/ERF genes. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses of potential target genes showed that the AP2/ERF gene family might play a critical role in plant growth and development, the response to environmental stresses, and metabolite biosynthesis. Utilizing quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), we examined the expression patterns of 10 randomly selected genes from Group IX after 6 h of treatments with mechanical injury, ethephon (Eth), and methyl jasmonate (MeJA). The AP2/ERF gene family in the loblolly pine was systematically analyzed for the first time in this study, offering a theoretical basis for exploring the functions and applications of AP2/ERF genes.