# Cloning of PoAIL6 Gene Related to Somatic Embryogenesis in Paeonia ostii ‘Fengdan’

## TL;DR

This paper identifies and characterizes the PoAIL6 gene in peony, which is important for early stages of plant embryo development.

## Contribution

The study identifies PoAIL6 as a key gene in somatic embryogenesis in Paeonia ostii ‘Fengdan’ and explores its expression and structure.

## Key findings

- PoAIL6 contains two AP2 conserved domains and a characteristic AIL6 motif.
- PoAIL6 is most highly expressed during early embryonic development and in peony seeds.
- The gene shows similarity to AIL6 genes in grape and cocoa.

## Abstract

AINTEGUMENTA-LIKE6 (AIL6) is a transcription factor specifically expressed in embryos. It is a key to improving peony regeneration through tissue culture. Based on transcriptomic data from our previous research and the published genome data of Paeonia ostii, we identified the PoAIL6 gene associated with somatic embryogenesis (SE) in Paeonia ostii ‘Fengdan’. Structural and phylogenetic analyses were conducted on the PoAIL6-encoded protein, and its expression pattern across tissues and embryo developmental stages were explored using real-time quantitative PCR. Our results revealed that PoAIL6 contained two AP2 conserved domains and the characteristic motif of AIL6 genes. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the PoAIL6 gene has similarity to grape (Vitis vinifera) and cocoa (Theobroma cacao). PoAIL6 exhibited the highest expression during early embryonic development, with expression levels gradually decreasing throughout SE progression. It was most highly expressed in peony seeds and showed relatively high expression in callus tissue. This study underscores the pivotal role of PoAIL6 in the early SE and lays a playground for elucidating its molecular mechanisms, supporting the development of efficient and stable regeneration and transformation systems in peony.