Genome-Wide Characterization and Analysis of the SPL Gene Family in Eucalyptus grandis

TL;DR

This study identifies and analyzes the SPL gene family in Eucalyptus grandis, revealing their roles in growth, stress response, and hormone signaling.

Contribution

The study provides the first genome-wide characterization of the SPL gene family in Eucalyptus grandis.

Findings

Twenty-three SPL genes were identified and classified into five groups in E. grandis.

EgSPL9 and EgSPL23 are likely involved in hormone stress resistance and are expressed in stem apex and lateral branches.

Cis-acting elements suggest SPL genes are linked to light, hormone, and stress responses.

Abstract

SQUAMOSA promoter-binding protein-like (SPL) gene family, a group of plant-specific transcription factors, played crucial roles in regulating plant growth, development, signal transduction, and stress response. This study focuses on the SPL gene family in the fast-growing Eucalyptus grandis, employing bioinformatics approaches to identify and analyze the gene physiochemical characteristics, conserved domains, structural composition, chromosomal distribution, phylogenetic relationships, cis-acting elements, and their expression patterns in various tissues and stress treatments. Twenty-three SPL genes were identified in E. grandis, which uneven distributed across seven chromosomes and classified into five groups. Prediction of cis-acting elements revealed that these genes might be related to light, hormone, and stress responses. Furthermore, EgSPL9 and EgSPL23, mainly expressed in the stem apex and lateral branches, seem to be involved in hormone stress resistance. Our study provides insights into the potential functions of the EgSPL genes in plant growth, stress response, and hormone transduction, offering valuable perspectives for subsequent research into their biological roles.

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