[Identification and tissue expression analysis of NAC gene family in Artemisia argyi]

Based on whole-genome and transcriptome data, this study identified the gene members of Artemisia argyi NAC(AarNAC) family and analyzed their expression patterns in different tissues and methyl jasmonate(MeJA)-induced samples, aiming to discover NAC transcription factors related to secondary metabolite synthesis, plant growth and development, and stress response regulation in A. argyi. A total of 176 AarNAC genes were identified in A. argyi using bioinformatics methods. The encoded proteins were composed of 152-1 269 amino acids. The relative molecular weights of AarNAC proteins were 17.38-141.23 kDa, and the theoretical isoelectric points were 4.42-9.60. Subcellular localization showed that most AarNAC gene family were located in the nucleus and cytoplasm, and a few were located in the endoplasmic reticulum and chloroplasts. According to the classification of Arabidopsis thaliana NAC gene family, AarNAC proteins were divided into 13 subfamilies. Analysis of promoter cis-acting elements showed that AarNAC family was closely related to growth and development, hormone response, and abiotic stress. Tissue expression pattern analysis showed that AarNAC family genes were mainly expressed in roots and stems, and most of the genes were induced by MeJA, among which 25 genes were predominantly expressed in leaves and also presented MeJA-induced expression. These AarNAC genes were presumed to be the key regulatory genes for the synthesis of active components in A. argyi. This study lays a foundation for in-depth analysis of the functions of AarNAC family genes and their regulatory mechanisms underlying the accumulation of bioactive compounds in A. argyi.