Cloning and Bioinformatics Analysis of AP2/ERF Transcription Factor Gene LoERF4 in Lily

PurposeTo study the role of ERF genes, members of the AP2/ERF family, in the dormancy release process of lily.

MethodsBulblets of Lilium oriental ‘Siberia’ were used as experimental materials. From the transcriptome sequencing data obtained in the previous experiments, we screened for an ERF transcription factor that was significantly up-regulated in the dormancy release process of bulblets. The full-length cDNA sequence of ERF gene of bulblets of L. oriental ‘Siberia’, named LoERF4, was obtained by combining RT-PCR. The LoERF4 gene structure and physicochemical properties were bioinformatically analyzed by various bioinformatics software. The relative expression level of LoERF4 gene during dormancy release in bulblets was examined by qRT-PCR.

ResultsThe full length of LoERF4 gene was obtained by cloning, which had a full open reading frame with length of 606 bp, encoded 201 amino acids and contained a typical conserved AP2 structural domain. The relative molecular weight of the protein was about 21.52 ku, and the theoretical isoelectric point was 6.43. It was a hydrophobic protein without transmembrane structure. qRT-PCR analysis result showed that the expression of this gene extremely significantly increased at the beginning of dormancy release of bulblets of L. oriental ‘Siberia’ on the 20th day.

ConclusionThe LoERF gene is cloned in lily, and it is hypothesized that the LoERF gene may be one of the key factors involved in regulating the process of dormancy release in lily bulblets.