Genome-Wide Identification of the PRP Gene Family Members of the Dove Tree (Davidia involucrata Baill.)
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: The large, white paired bract is a unique trait, as well as the most intriguing feature of the dove tree (Davidia involucrata). However, the mechanisms underlying bract development remain unclear. Our previous comparative transcriptome analysis concerning Davidia bracts at different developmental stages has identified a number of bract-specific genes. Among these, the genes encoding PRPs (proline-rich proteins) show dramatic expression variation, indicating the participation of this gene family in bract development. In this study, we screened the whole Davidia genome and identified twelve Davidia PRP (DiPRP) genes, showing obvious expression variation during bract development, with some upregulated up to 100-fold at the fast-developing stage. These PRP genes are evenly distributed on seven Davidia chromosomes. The cis-element composition of the promoter regions of the DiPRPs demonstrates that these genes might be controlled by phytohormones (especially ABA, GA, and MeJA), light, and the circadian clock, which is consistent with the environmental cues during Davidia bract development. Synteny analysis indicated that the PRP genes from the Davidia genome have higher collinearity with naturally bracted plants, such as Antirhonum majus and Bougainvillea glabra, but lower collinearity with non-bracted species. Our results suggest that high expression of certain PRP genes, specifically in bracts, might be critical for leaf metamorphosis.
Source: Forests
DOI: 10.3390/f16091425
Authors: Yanling Fan, Xiyi Zhang, Yanxian Luo, Jie Niu, Jia Li, Meng Li
Language: English
Subfield: Plant Science
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,137
Award: G1793407122
OpenAlex ID: W4414014539