Identification, Classification, and Functional Analysis of AP2/ERF Family Genes in the Desert Moss Bryum argenteum

Abstract

Bryum argenteum is a desert moss which shows tolerance to the desert environment and is emerging as a good plant material for identification of stress-related genes. AP2/ERF transcription factor family plays important roles in plant responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. AP2/ERF genes have been identified and extensively studied in many plants, while they are rarely studied in moss. In the present study, we identified 83 AP2/ERF genes based on the comprehensive dehydrationrehydration transcriptomic atlas of B. argenteum. BaAP2/ERF genes can be classified into five families, including 11 AP2s, 43 DREBs, 26 ERFs, 1 RAV, and 2 Soloists. RNA-seq data showed that 83 BaAP2/ERFs exhibited elevated transcript abundances during dehydration–rehydration process. We used RT-qPCR to validate the expression profiles of 12 representative BaAP2/ERFs and confirmed the expression trends using RNA-seq data. Eight out of 12 BaAP2/ERFs demonstrated transactivation activities. Seven BaAP2/ERFs enhanced salt and osmotic stress tolerances of yeast. This is the first study to provide detailed information on the identification, classification, and functional analysis of the AP2/ERFs in B. argenteum. This study will lay the foundation for the further functional analysis of these genes in plants, as well as provide greater insights into the molecular mechanisms of abiotic stress tolerance of B. argenteum.

Identification, classification, and characterization of AP2/ERF superfamily genes in Masson pine (Pinus massoniana Lamb.)

“…AP2/ERFs in Arabidopsis are classified via two different systems 3 , 4 , and both classification systems have been used to classify the AP2/ERF family proteins in other plant species, including celery and buckwheat 26 , 27 . Advancements in sequencing technology and the availability of large datasets have aided the identification of AP2 / ERF family genes in several plant species by the use of genomic, transcriptomic or EST data 28 , 29 . Current data on the molecular and genetic properties of Pinaceae species are lacking due to the large genome sizes of Pinaceae species, the sizes of which are nearly 20 Gb 30 , and access to the genomic information is limited.…”

Systematic analysis of the Capsicum ERF transcription factor family: identification of regulatory factors involved in the regulation of species-specific metabolites

“…In this study, a total of 142 non-redundant ERF genes were identified from the Capsicum annuum genome. The ERF family in Arabidopsis (122) [ 15 ], watermelon (120) [ 36 ], rice (143) [ 39 ], Chinese cabbage (248) [ 40 ], cauliflower (146) [ 36 ] and Bryum argenteum (75) [ 41 ] were successfully identified and investigated. These results indicated that the number of ERF genes in different plants was distinct.…”

Systematic analysis of the Capsicum ERF transcription factor family: identification of regulatory factors involved in the regulation of species-specific metabolites

“…In this study, a total of 142 non-redundant ERF genes were identi ed from the Capsicum annuum genome. The ERF family in Arabidopsis (122) [15], watermelon (120) [48], rice (143) [51], Chinese cabbage (248) [52], cauli ower (146) [48] and Bryum argenteum (75) [53] were successfully identi ed and investigated. These results indicated that the number of ERF genes in different plants was distinct.…”