Genome-wide analysis and molecular dissection of the SPL gene family in Fraxinus mandshurica

Abstract

Background SQUAMOSA promoter binding protein-like (SPL) is a unique family of transcription factors in plants, which is engaged in regulating plant growth and development, physiological and biochemical processes. Fraxinus mandshurica is an excellent timber species with a wide range of uses in northeastern China and enjoys a high reputation in the international market. SPL family analysis has been reported in some plants while SPL family analysis of Fraxinus mandshurica has not been reported. Results We used phylogeny, conserved motifs, gene structure, secondary structure prediction, miR156 binding sites, promoter cis elements and GO annotation to systematically analyze the FmSPLs family. This was followed by expression analysis by subcellular localization, expression patterns at various tissue sites, abiotic stress and hormone induction. Because FmSPL2 is highly expressed in flowers it was selected to describe the SPL gene family of Fraxinus mandshurica by ectopic expression. Among them, 10 FmSPL genes that were highly expressed at different loci were selected for expression analysis under abiotic stress (NaCl and Cold) and hormone induction (IAA and ABA). These 10 FmSPL genes showed corresponding trends in response to both abiotic stress and hormone induction. We showed that overexpression of FmSPL2 in transgenic Nicotiana tabacum L. resulted in taller plants, shorter root length, increased root number, rounded leaves, and earlier flowering time. Conclusions We identified 36 SPL genes, which were classified into seven subfamilies based on sequence analysis. FmSPL2 was selected for subsequent heterologous expression by analysis of expression patterns in various tissues and under abiotic stress and hormone induction, and significant phenotypic changes were observed in the transgenic Nicotiana tabacum L. These results provide insight into the evolutionary origin and biological significance of plant SPL. The aim of this study was to lay the foundation for the genetic improvement of Fraxinus mandshurica and the subsequent functional analysis of FmSPL2.

Genome-wide identification, stress- and hormone-responsive expression characteristics, and regulatory pattern analysis of Scutellaria baicalensis SbSPLs

“…The Zn-1 of SbSPL2 and the Zn-2 sequence of SbSPL4 were missing (Figure S2 ). Zn-1 of FmSPL9 and Zn-2 of FmSPL31/32 were also absent in Fraxinus mandshurica (He et al 2022a ). Domain changes or losses are not always negative and drive the expansion of gene families (Brand et al 2013 ; Wei et al 2012 ).…”

A Comprehensive Analysis of the Peanut SQUAMOSA Promoter Binding Protein-like Gene Family and How AhSPL5 Enhances Salt Tolerance in Transgenic Arabidopsis

“…For example, some SPL genes in alfalfa ( Medicago sativa L.) are induced by drought, salt, and methyl jasmonate (Me JA) [ 49 ]. Several genes encoding SPL transcription factors demonstrated a notable increase in expression levels in Fraxinus mandshurica when exposed to ABA, cold, and salt treatments [ 50 ]. In addition, some AhSPL genes were also enriched for pathways acting in response to external stimulus (GO:0009605) ( Figure 9 ).…”

Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Analysis of the SPL Gene Family in Three Orchids

“…However, some studies have found significant expansion of the SPL gene in some dicots, such as Fraxinus mandshurica Rupr. [ 45 ] (36), Glycine max (Linn.) Merr.…”

“…The expression of BpSPL s in apical buds and male inflorescences of Betula platyphylla is inversely proportional to the expression of miRNA156 , suggesting that BpSPL s may be involved in flower development [ 14 , 60 ]. Overexpression of FmSPL2 in transgenic Nicotiana tabacum L. resulted in taller plants, changes in the morphology and number of roots, rounded leaves, and an earlier flowering time [ 45 ]. In subfamily VII, VcSPL20 was significantly down-regulated during floral organ development in Vaccinium corymbosum L., while VcSPL35 was maintained at a high level [ 61 ].…”