Phylogenetic Analysis of the <i>PR-4</i> Gene Family in Euphorbiaceae and Its Expression Profiles in Tung Tree (<i>Vernicia fordii</i>)
2023
Chengbo Yang | Yaqi Yi | Jiabei Wang | Liu Ge | Lin Zhang | Meilan Liu
Pathogenesis-related protein-4 (<i>PR-4</i>) is generally believed to be involved in physiological processes. However, a comprehensive investigation of this protein in tung tree (<i>Vernicia fordii</i>) has yet to be conducted. In this study, we identified 30 <i>PR-4</i> genes in the genomes of Euphorbiaceae species and investigated their domain organization, evolution, promoter cis-elements, expression profiles, and expression profiles in the tung tree. Sequence and structural analyses indicated that <i>VF16136</i> and <i>VF16135</i> in the tung tree could be classified as belonging to Class II and I, respectively. Phylogenetic and Ka/Ks analyses revealed that <i>Hevea brasiliensis</i> exhibited a significantly expanded number of <i>PR-4</i> genes. Additionally, the analysis of promoter cis-elements suggested that two <i>VfPR-4</i> genes may play a role in the response to hormones and biotic and abiotic stress of tung trees. Furthermore, the expression patterns of <i>VfPR-4</i> genes and their responses to 6-BA, salicylic acid, and silver nitrate in inflorescence buds of tung trees were evaluated using qRT-PCR. Notably, the expression of two <i>VfPR-4</i> genes was found to be particularly high in leaves and early stages of tung seeds. These results suggest that <i>VF16136</i> and <i>VF16135</i> may have significant roles in the development of leaves and seeds in tung trees. Furthermore, these genes were found to be responsive to 6-BA, salicylic acid, and silver nitrate in the development of inflorescence buds. This research provides valuable insights for future investigation into the functions of <i>PR-4</i> genes in tung trees.
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