Genome-wide Identification and Expression of the AP2/ERF Superfamily in Zostera marina

Purpose To identify the members of the Apetala2/ethylene response factor (AP2/ERF) gene family from the genome of Zostera marina, and to analyze their expression characteristics, providing a theoretical basis for the functional study and environmental adaptation of the AP2/ERF gene family in Z. marina.

Methods Screening and analysis were conducted from existing Z. marina genome data, and the gene structure and expression characteristics of the AP2/ERF family genes in Z. marina were analyzed using bioinformatics methods.

Results A total of 103 AP2/ERF family members were identified in Z. marina, categorized into four subfamilies: AP2, RAV, ERF, and Soloist. Except for Zosma237g00010, the genes were unevenly distributed across six chromosomes. Collinearity analysis showed that the collinearity of the genome between Z. marina and various algae was higher than that of terrestrial plants. Transcriptome analysis revealed that some members of AP2/ERF family in Z. marina exhibited obvious organ-specific expression. These members could modulate associated genes to participate in processes such as root development, seed maturation and development, floral development, and abscisic acid signaling transduction, thereby playing roles in organ development and environmental stress responses in Z. marina. Real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis confirmed that ZosmaERF-23和ZosmaERF-52 were highly expressed in stem, while ZosmaRAV-02 was highly expressed in leaf, and they were involved in the response to salinity stress.

Conclusion A total of 103 AP2/ERF family genes are obtained from Z. marina, and some AP2/ERF transcription factors show organ expression specificity and differential expression under salt stress, indicating that AP2/ERF transcription factors play an important role in regulating plant organ development and stress response in Z. marina.