Isolation, sequencing, and expression analysis of 30 AP2/ERF transcription factors in apple

• DOI: 10.7717/peerj.8391
• Publication Date: 2020-01-17T09:10:19Z
• Authors: Huifeng Li; Qinglong Dong; Qiang Zhao; Song Shi; Kun Ran
• Keywords: Malus; Subfamily; Apple tree; Transcription

Background AP2/ERF transcription factors are involved in the regulation of plant growth, development, and stress responses. Our research objective was to characterize novel apple ( Malus × domestica Borkh.) genes encoding response. The transcriptional level different tissues under various biotic abiotic determined provide valuable insights into function apple. Methods Thirty full-length cDNA sequences were isolated from ‘Zihong Fuji’ cv. Zihong Fuji) via homologous comparison RT-PCR confirmation, obtained deduced amino acid analyzed with bioinformatics methods. Expression levels detected 16 using a known array. patterns response Alternaria alternata pathotype (AAAP) infection RNA-seq existing data, expression NaCl mannitol treatments qRT-PCR. Results sequencing results produced 30 cDNAs (designated as MdERF3-8 , MdERF11 MdERF16-19 MdERF22-28 MdERF31-35 MdERF39 MdAP2D60 MdAP2D62-65 MdRAV2 ). Phylogenetic analysis revealed that MdERF11/16, MdERF33/35, MdERF34/39, MdERF18/23 belonged groups A-2, A-4, A-5, A-6 DREB subfamily, respectively; MdERF31, MdERF19, MdERF4/25/28/32, MdERF24, MdERF5/6/27, MdERF3/7/8/17/22/26 B-1, B-2, B-3, B-4, B-5, B-6 ERF MdAP2D62/63/64/65 AP2 subfamily; RAV subfamily. Array indicated expressed all examined degrees. previously reported data showed many members subfamilies induced by alternate infection. Under salt treatment, transcriptionally up or down-regulated. ERF, DREB, at level. Taken together, cloned tissues. These up-regulated down-regulated AAAP which suggested they may be regulating