Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of the VQ gene family in soybean (Glycine max)

Abstract

Background VQ proteins, the plant-specific transcription factors, are involved in plant development and multiple stresses; however, only few articles systematic reported the VQ genes in soybean. Methods In total, we identified 75 GmVQ genes, which were classified into 7 groups (I-VII). Conserved domain analysis indicated that VQ gene family members all contain the VQ domains. VQ genes from the same evolutionary branches of soybean shared similar motifs and structures. Promoter analysis revealed that cis-elements related to stress responses, phytohormone responses and controlling physical as well as reproductive growth. Based on the RNA-seq and qRT-PCR analysis, GmVQ genes were showed expressing in nine tissues, suggesting their putative function in many aspects of plant growth and development as well as response to stress in Glycine max. Results This study aims to understand the roles of VQ genes in various development processes and their expression patterns in responses to stimuli. Our results provide basic information in identification and classification of GmVQ genes. Further experimental analysis will allows us to know the functions of GmVQs participation in plant growth and stress responses.

A comprehensive analysis of cotton VQ gene superfamily reveals their potential and extensive roles in regulating cotton abiotic stress

“…In previous studies, the VQ family genes have been systematically analyzed in Arabidopsis [22], soybean [23], rice [37], banana [38], maize [39] and bamboo [40], and shown to play signi cant roles in regulating growth, development processes, and responding to biotic and abiotic stresses [2]. It is now important to complete a comprehensive analysis of the VQ gene family and to explore their evolution interactions in Gossypium spp.…”

“…For example, the AtVQ08, AtVQ14, AtVQ17, AtVQ18 and AtVQ22 were identi ed as being involved in seed development, chloroplast development, and plant growth. On the other hand, a proportion of the GmVQ [23], PeVQ [40], VvVQ [44] and CsVQ [26] genes were also con rmed as being involved in regulating the growth at different tissues and different developmental stages. In this study, we also found that most GhVQ and GbVQ genes were differentially expressed in the different tissues, including ovule, ber, anther, leaf, root, sepal and stem, suggesting that the VQ genes also play an important role in cotton growth and development (Fig.…”

“…Various biotic and abiotic stresses, including pathogen infection, drought and salinity stresses, have consistently and severely affected the formation of cotton production [15][16][17], although some cultivars with broad-spectrum resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses have been developed. Recently, VQ family genes have been identi ed at genome-wide levels in several plants, including Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thanliana) (34 VQs) [22], soybean (Glycine max) (74 VQs) [23], maize (Zea mays) (61 VQs) [24], Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa spp. pekinensis) (57 VQs) [25], apple (Malus Domestica Borkh) (49 VQs) [10], tea (Camellia sinensis) (25 VQs) [26] and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) (26 VQs) [27].…”

A comprehensive analysis of cotton VQ gene superfamily reveals their potential and extensive roles in regulating cotton abiotic stress

“…In previous studies, the VQ family genes have been systematically analyzed in Arabidopsis [24], soybean [25], sun ower [31], rice [26], banana [43], maize [27], bamboo [44], Cicer arietinum [32], Medicago truncatula [32], and tobacco [19], and has shown to play signi cant roles in regulating growth, development processes, and responding to biotic and abiotic stresses [2]. Here, we complete a comprehensive analysis of the VQ family genes and explore their evolutional mechanism in Gossypium species.…”

“…Therefore, it is very important to develop new cultivars with high resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. ecently, VQ family genes have been identi ed at genome-wide levels in several plants, including Arabidopsis (34 VQs) [24], soybean (Glycine max) (74 VQs) [25], rice (39 VQs) [26], maize (Zea mays) (61 VQs) [27], Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa spp. pekinensis) (57 VQs) [28], apple (49 VQs) [10], tea (Camellia sinensis) (25 VQs) [29], tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) (26 VQs) [30], sun ower (Helianthus annuus) (20 VQs) [31], tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) (59 VQs) [19], Cicer arietinum (19 VQs) [32] and Medicago truncatula (32 VQs) [32].…”