百香果(Passiflora edulis)R2R3-MYB基因家族的结构和功能分析

【目的】探究R2R3-MYB转录因子在代谢、发育等多种生物学过程中发挥的调控作用。对百香果R2R3-MYB基因家族进行表达分析并探究其在花果发育过程中的调控机制,对深入研究R2R3-MYB转录因子在百香果中的生物学作用中具有重要意义。【方法】基于百香果全基因组数据,通过HMM搜索对R2R3-MYB家族成员进行筛选鉴定,并利用实时荧光定量PCR分析其在百香果花不同组织中的表达模式。【结果】从百香果基因组中鉴定出99个R2R3-MYB基因,根据系统进化分析将其分为36个亚组。99个R2R3-PeMYB基因随机分布在9条百香果染色体上。基序和基因结构分析表明,R2R3-PeMYB在同一亚组中具有相对保守的结构特征。共线性分析表明,片段复制事件促进了百香果R2R3-MYB家族的扩张。基于转录组数据和qRT-PCR分析,发现R2R3-PeMYB基因在百香果花的不同组织的不同发育阶段中表现出差异的表达模式,说明R2R3-PeMYB基因在花不同组织和果实的发育过程中发挥重要作用,尤其是PeMYB62和PeMYB63在百香果果皮转色期的高表达,说明其可能参与百香果花青素的合成。同时8个R2R3-PeMYB基因在非生物胁迫(冷、热、盐和渗透压)下也表现出不同的反应,说明R2R3-PeMYB基因还受到非生物胁迫的诱导。【结论】鉴定了99个R2R3-PeMYB基因家族成员,发现其在百香果花果发育和胁迫诱导方面发挥重要作用,为今后研究百香果R2R3-MYB基因在花果发育中的功能和进化提供了有价值的线索。

黄瓜R2R3-MYB亚家族鉴定及生物信息学分析

【目的】深入研究黄瓜Cucumis sativus R2R3-MYB亚家族成员的相关功能。【方法】利用生物信息学手段分析黄瓜全基因组,鉴定R2R3-MYB亚家族成员,对其系统进化关系、蛋白理化性质、染色体定位、基因结构、保守基序、顺式作用元件、蛋白质互作进行分析。【结果】黄瓜全基因组中含99个具有典型结构域的R2R3-MYB转录因子,蛋白序列含195~552个氨基酸,有保守基序及氨基酸位点;基因在染色体上分布不均匀;大部分亚家族成员蛋白质的不稳定指数大于40,属于不稳定蛋白。顺式作用调控元件分析发现:大部分基因启动子区所含元件与激素调节、MYB结合位点、胁迫密切相关。【结论】通过黄瓜全基因组鉴定,获得黄瓜基因组99个R2R3-MYB家族成员,分为30个亚组,映射于7条染色体上,该家族成员的上游启动子区含逆境相关作用元件。

基于百脉根两代基因组的LjR2R3-MYB家族比较鉴定

【目的】探明LjR2R3-MYB转录因子家族的结构和功能,为二代测序与三代测序的差异研究、百脉根转录因子发掘鉴定及LjR2R3-MYBs的调控功能鉴定提供参考。【方法】对二代测序(SGS)与三代测序(TGS)2个版本百脉根全基因组数据的LjR2R3-MYB转录因子进行鉴定分析,研究其成员组成、进化特征、基因结构、蛋白性质、空间结构、染色体定位、顺式作用元件等。【结果】在SGS和TGS版本中,LjR2R3-MYB家族分别有96个和135个成员,TGS的基因序列比SGS多3条保守基序;家族成员均属于14个亚族,TGS获得的独有序列比SGS多39条;SGS中有86条基因含有UTR,TGS中有78条,二者的LjR2R3-MYB成员motif类型存在差异;所有LjR2R3-MYB基因编码蛋白均为亲水性蛋白,不含信号肽,定位于细胞核,二级结构组成基本一致;SGS的0号染色体上分布有25条R2R3-MYB基因,TGS含有6条染色体且无0号染色体;LjR2R3-MYB基因启动子含有逆境胁迫、防御、激素以及生长发育响应等顺式作用元件。【结论】同SGS相比较,从TGS数据中获得的基因信息量更完整丰富,百脉根TGS组装质量高于SGS。

R2R3型MYB转录因子调控植物胁迫应答的研究进展

MYB转录因子(TF)是植物中最大的转录家族之一,广泛参与植物生命过程. R2R3-MYB转录因子作为MYB TF家族最大的亚家族,在植物响应生物和非生物胁迫过程中发挥着重要作用.本文简要综述了MYB转录因子的分类,并具体论述了R2R3型MYB转录因子在调控植物应答病害、虫害等生物胁迫和干旱、低温、盐等非生物胁迫中的作用机制.

利用CRISPR/Cas9构建敲除小鼠模型研究PPP2R3A基因对心脏功能的影响

目的 应用CRISPR/Cas9技术构建蛋白磷酸2调节亚基B″家族α亚型(PPP2R3A)基因敲除小鼠,从分子水平及组织水平上研究PPP2R3A缺失对心脏的影响。方法 将Cas9 mRNA和两个靶向PPP2R3A第3外显子翻译起始密码子附近区域的单导向RNA微注射到C57BL/6小鼠受精卵中。小鼠出生后取其基因组DNA进行聚合酶链反应(PCR)和测序以鉴定基因型,鉴定后,基因PPP2R3A缺失型小鼠为KO组,野生型C57BL/6小鼠为WT组(雄性3只,雌性2只)。小鼠心脏组织经甲醛固定并制成切片后分别进行苏木素-伊红(HE)染色和免疫组织化学染色。提取小鼠心脏组织总RNA和蛋白,应用荧光定量PCR和Western印迹验证基因敲除小鼠的有效性和检测互作蛋白表达。结果 获得F1代PPP2R3A杂合小鼠,PCR和测序结果表明突变小鼠的基因型存在113 bp的缺失突变。与WT组相比,KO组心脏组织中PPP2R3A mRNA和蛋白表达量明显下降(均P<0.05),参与心脏发育的G蛋白信号转导调控因子(RGS)19表达量明显升高(P<0.05)。PPP2R3A蛋白表达受损引起了心脏组织病理学变化。结论 PPP2R3A在体内可能通过与RGS19蛋白互作来参与心脏的发育并对心脏功能产生影响。

IP3R2及RYR2介导Ca^(2+)信号在急性一氧化碳中毒迟发性脑病小鼠模型中的表达

背景:研究发现星形胶质细胞中Ca^(2+)的表达与认知功能密切相关,目前由1,4,5-三磷酸肌醇受体(Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors,IP3Rs)2、兰尼碱受体(ryanodine receptors,RYRs)2受体及其调控的Ca^(2+)信号通路已经成为认知障碍相关疾病研究的热点。目的:研究急性一氧化碳中毒迟发性脑病动物模型中,海马组织内星形胶质细胞和IP3R2、RYR2介导的Ca^(2+)信号的表达情况,探索急性一氧化碳中毒迟发性脑病可能的发病机制。方法:Morris水迷宫实验筛选认知功能合格的C57BL小鼠随机分为对照组、实验组,实验组小鼠采用静态吸入一氧化碳建立急性一氧化碳中毒迟发性脑病模型,对照组小鼠吸入等量空气。造模后第21天,利用Morris水迷宫、苏木精-伊红染色、Western blot、免疫荧光双标法、Ca^(2+)荧光探针检测中毒小鼠行为学及神经元改变、星形胶质细胞特异性标记物胶质纤维酸性蛋白及IP3R2、RYR2受体、星形胶质细胞内Ca^(2+)浓度变化。结果与结论:①Morris水迷宫实验发现与对照组相比,实验组小鼠逃避潜伏期明显延长(P<0.05);②苏木精-伊红染色表明实验组小鼠海马锥体细胞数减少、细胞结构紊乱、细胞核碎裂伴溶解;③免疫荧光检测表明海马区IP3R2、RYR2分别和胶质纤维酸性蛋白存在共表达,且实验组海马区IP3R2、RYR2和胶质纤维酸性蛋白表达均上调(P<0.05);④Western blot检测显示实验组海马区IP3R2、RYR2及胶质纤维酸性蛋白的蛋白表达均增多(P<0.05);⑤Ca^(2+)荧光探针法检测表明实验组小鼠海马区星形胶质细胞内Ca^(2+)浓度明显升高(P<0.05);⑥结果说明,星形胶质细胞可能通过介导IP3R2、RYR2受体影响Ca^(2+)信号,进而使一氧化碳中毒的小鼠认知功能受损,最终导致急性一氧化碳中毒迟发性脑病发生。

PPP2R3A表达与乙型肝炎相关肝癌易感性及患者预后的关系

目的探讨PPP2R3A表达水平与乙型肝炎相关性肝癌易感性及患者预后的关系。方法选择2020年1月至2021年6月秦皇岛市第三医院收治的60例慢性乙型肝炎肝硬化患者(肝硬化组)和120例慢性乙型肝炎肝硬化癌变患者(肝癌组)作为研究对象。采用免疫组织化学染色法和ELISA法检测2组的病变肝组织和血清中PPP2R3A表达水平,分析肝癌组的血清PPP2R3A表达水平与患者临床病理特征的关系,以及肝癌组的病变肝组织中PPP2R3A表达与患者预后的关系。结果肝癌组病变肝组织中PPP2R3A高表达率显著高于肝硬化组(64.2%%比23.3%,P<0.05)。肝癌组的血清PPP2R3A表达水平显著高于肝硬化组[(14.05±4.68)ng/mL比(11.36±2.99)ng/mL,t=3.669,P<0.001]。肝癌组患者中,T2~T3期、血清DCP≥2000 ng/mL、AFP-L3%阳性和HBV-DNA表达阳性的患者的血清PPP2R3A表达水平分别较T1期、血清DCP<2000 ng/mL、AFP-L3%阴性和HBV-DNA表达阴性的患者显著升高(P均<0.05)。病变肝组织中PPP2R3A高表达组的1年总生存率显著低于低表达组(χ^(2)=4.546,P=0.033)。二分类Logistic回归分析结果显示,肝癌患者病变肝组织中PPP2R3A高表达、T2~T3期、AFP-L3%阳性及血清DCP水平升高均为患者预后的独立危险因素(P均<0.05)。结论PPP2R3A在肝癌患者血清和病变肝组织中均呈高表达,且与不良预后相关,是肝癌患者生存的独立危险因素,也是肝癌患者早期诊断和预后预测的潜在指标。

紫花苜蓿R2R3-MYB亚家族鉴定与干旱胁迫下的表达分析

MYB(v-myb avian myeloblastosis viral oncogene homolog)家族是最大的转录因子家族之一,R2R3-MYB亚家族在植物胁迫响应、次级代谢、生长和发育等过程发挥重要作用。本研究利用紫花苜蓿(Medicago sativa‘Zhongmu No.1’)基因组和转录组数据,通过生物信息学方法鉴定了R2R3-MYB转录因子,并对其序列特征、系统进化、染色体分布、基因结构、顺式作用元件及干旱胁迫下的表达模式进行分析。结果显示,紫花苜蓿中有121个R2R3-MYB亚家族成员,各成员均具有两个典型的MYB结构域,理化性质变化较大。系统进化分析将121个成员分为33个组,各成员无规律地定位在8条染色体上。基因结构和顺式作用元件分析发现,同一分组具有相同或相似的外显子数和顺式作用元件。响应干旱胁迫表达模式分析和实时荧光定量PCR(qRT-PCR)结果表明干旱胁迫下MsMYB12,MsMYB45,MsMYB52,MsMYB73,MsMYB88,MsMYB124,MsMYB149,MsMYB189,MsMYB268基因的表达量显著上调,可作为后期紫花苜蓿响应干旱胁迫机制研究的潜在靶点。

腹部推拿对UC模型大鼠背根神经节PLC/IP3R/Ca2+信号通路及AKT、p-AKT蛋白表达的影响

目的:观察腹部推拿干预溃疡性结肠炎(UC)模型大鼠后,对大鼠背根神经节PLC/IP3R/Ca^(2+)信号通路及AKT、p-AKT蛋白表达的影响,从而探讨腹部推拿对溃疡性结肠炎内脏高敏感的作用机制。方法:将36只SPF级大鼠分成空白组、模型组、推拿组、美沙拉嗪组4组,除空白组自由饮用蒸馏水外,其余各组采用自由饮5%葡聚糖硫酸钠溶液(DSS)的方法制备大鼠UC模型。造模第2日起推拿组采用腹部推拿进行干预,美沙拉嗪组进行美沙拉嗪溶液进行灌胃,空白组、模型组仅俯卧位束缚固定于固定器中。干预15日后,采用邻-甲酚酞络合铜比色法检测背根神经节(DRG)细胞钙离子浓度;ELISA法检测DRG组织中磷脂酶C(PLC)、肌醇1,4,5-三磷酸(IP3)、肌醇1,4,5-三磷酸受体(IP3R)的表达,WesternBlot检测DRG组织中蛋白激酶B(AKT)、磷酸化蛋白激酶B(p-AKT)蛋白表达。结果:与模型组比较,推拿组大鼠DRG细胞Ca^(2+)浓度和DRG组织中IP3、IP3R含量呈降低趋势,其中DRG细胞Ca^(2+)浓度有显著差异(P<0.01),其他指标的组间差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);推拿组DRG组织中PLC含量及AKT、p-AKT蛋白表达呈增加趋势,但差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论:腹部推拿抑制UC内脏高敏感性,其作用机制可能与抑制PLC-IP3R-Ca^(2+)信号通路和促进UC大鼠背根神经节AKT激活有关。

假俭草R2R3-MYB基因家族的鉴定及其在干旱胁迫下的表达模式分析

R2R3-MYB家族是植物中最大的转录因子家族之一,广泛参与各种生理响应和分子调控。本研究利用假俭草(Eremochloa ophiuroides(Munro.))基因组数据和生物信息学手段鉴定了R2R3-MYB转录因子,并对系统进化、结构、顺式作用元件等进行分析;同时对R2R3-MYB转录因子响应干旱胁迫的表达模式进行分析。结果显示,假俭草中有113个R2R3-MYB成员;蛋白二级结构和三级结构都表明R2R3-MYBs蛋白都含有螺旋-转角-螺旋结构;顺式作用元件分析发现启动子区含有大量植物激素响应和胁迫响应元件,为R2R3-MYB基因进化分析提供了依据。基因表达模式分析表明,与野生型相比,抗旱突变体叶中有39个基因、根中有58个基因在一个或多个干旱时期表达量提高,推测这些R2R3-MYB基因在响应干旱胁迫过程中发挥着重要作用。本研究结果为进一步深入研究假俭草R2R3-MYB基因家族的功能奠定了基础。

云南栘[木衣]R2R3-MYB转录因子鉴定与表达分析

【目的】R2R3-MYB转录因子是植物中重要的一类转录因子,在调节色素积累方面发挥着重要作用。云南栘[木衣]存在显著的果皮颜色变异,通过分析R2R3-MYB转录因子在3种变异类型果皮的表达模式,旨在筛选可能参与果皮着色的候选基因。【方法】以3种变异类型果皮为材料,基于其转录组数据对R2R3-MYB转录因子进行鉴定,并对其理化性质、系统发育、保守结构域、保守基序和表达模式进行分析。【结果】共鉴定出99个R2R3-MYB转录因子,以不稳定亲水蛋白为主,其氨基酸长度在86~881 aa之间,相对分子质量在10.21~99.63 kDa之间,等电点在5.01~11.44之间;系统发育分析显示,4个云南栘[木衣]R2R3-MYBs和苹果MdMYB10共同聚在S6亚组,说明可能参与调控植物花青素的生物合成;每位成员均含有2个R结构域,每个R结构域在进化过程中都呈现出高度的保守性;保守基序分析结果显示,motif 1~motif 4在大多数成员的N端分布,与R2、R3结构域分布特点相似;表达模式分析表明,48个差异表达的DdR2R3-MYB基因存在5种表达模式,表明DdR2R3-MYB转录因子功能具有一定的多样性。RT-qPCR分析表明,DdR2R3-MYB2/16/18在红色果皮中上调表达显著,DdR2R3-MYB47/48在黄色果皮中上调表达显著。【结论】基于系统发育及表达模式分析结果,共筛选出3个可能调控花青素生物合成和2个可能调控类胡萝卜素生物合成的候选基因,为云南栘[木衣]果皮着色相关基因的挖掘奠定理论基础。

The roles of R2R3-MYBs in regulating complex pigmentation patterns in flowers

Pigmentation patterns are ubiquitous in nature.Visually striking pigmentation patterns are not only aesthetically appealing,but also crucial to pollinator interaction and plant fitness.The formation of complex floral pigmentation patterns mainly relies on the spatiotemporal expression of R2R3-MYB transcription factors and is often associated with certain floral development programs,such as floral organ identity,symmetry,which likely provide key information to initiate the patterning.For a complex pigmentation pattern to form,at least a pair of activator and inhibitor is required,despite their interaction might vary depending on the system being investigated.The regulation of pigmentation pattern involves multiple molecular mechanisms,such as transcriptional regulation,small RNA,transposon-mediated gene silencing,and methylation of gene body.Identifying these regulators can be facilitated by using single-cell and spatial transcriptomics as well as innovative plant transformation technologies.Moreover,plant organ development and pigmentation patterns are often interdependent,but current methods of describing patterns are static.Therefore,more precise and quantitative measurements are needed to elucidate the developmental mechanisms underlying complex pigmentation patterns in flowers.

Positive regulatory role of R2R3 MYBs in terpene biosynthesis in Lilium‘Siberia’

Terpenoids are the main components contributing to the fragrance of Lilium‘Siberia’,and LiTPS2 plays a critical role in the biosynthesis of monoterpenoids.Although the major terpene synthases in Lilium‘Siberia’have been identified,how these TPS genes are transcriptionally regulated remains elusive in this distinguished flower.This study aimed to identify transcription factors that regulate the terpene synthesis in Lilium,and disclose the related underlying transcriptional regulation mechanism.In this study,we identified three R2R3-MYB TFs—LiMYB1,LiMYB305 and LiMYB330,which were involved in regulating the biosynthesis of terpenes in Lilium‘Siberia’.Quantitative real-time PCR showed spatial and temporal expression patterns consistent with the emission patterns of terpene compounds.When LiMYB1,LiMYB305 and LiMYB330were overexpressed in flowers,the release of some main monoterpenes,such as linalool and ocimene,as well as the expression of TPS genes,especially for LiTPS2,were enhanced.A virus-induced gene silencing(VIGS)assay showed that silencing these three LiMYBs decreased the level of monoterpenes by down-regulating the expression of the TPS genes.The yeast one-hybrid and transient expression assays indicated that all three LiMYBs could bind to and activate the promoter of LiTPS2.Moreover,the yeast two-hybrid assay verified that LiMYB1 could interact with LiMYB308 and LiMYB330,indicating their synergistic roles in the regulation of floral terpene biosynthesis.In general,these results indicated that LiMYB1,LiMYB305,and LiMYB330 might play essential roles in terpene biosynthesis in Lilium and would provide a new perspective for the transcriptional regulation of volatile terpenes in flowers.

杠柳天然橡胶合成相关R2R3-MYB基因克隆及表达分析

首次克隆了杠柳中调控天然橡胶生物合成途径的R2R3-MYB基因,为杠柳天然橡胶生物合成调控机制的研究提供候选基因。利用生物信息学的方法,对杠柳的基因组数据进行分析,发现122条R2R3-MYB基因。通过构建系统进化树、氨基酸多序列比对、保守结构域和三级结构分析,确定杠柳中可能参与调控天然橡胶合成的R2R3-MYB基因,并进行基因在杠柳中的组织特异性表达分析。结果表明:PsMYB79、PsMYB102、PsMYB159和PsMYB178与巴西橡胶树HbMYB在同一分支上,均具有典型的R2R3-MYB结构域及SHAQKYF保守基序,而且氨基酸之间序列相似性分别为72.5%、64.5%、61.6%和57.8%。RT-PCR分析结果表明,4个基因在乳胶形成的部位中均表达,其中PsMYB79和PsMYB178在根中表达最强,PsMYB102在幼叶中表达强烈,PsMYB159在根、茎、幼叶和老叶中普遍表达。因此推测杠柳R2R3-MYB转录因子家族中PsMYB79、PsMYB102、PsMYB159和PsMYB178基因可能参与调节植物不同组织器官中天然橡胶生物合成过程。

菜豆R2R3-MYB基因家族鉴定及其在BCMV侵染后的表达分析

为了明确菜豆R2R3-MYB基因家族的成员及受到BCMV侵染后的表达情况,利用生物信息学方法对菜豆R2R3-MYB基因家族成员进行鉴定和系统分析,同时利用BCMV侵染菜豆后在显症期的转录组数据筛选可能与BCMV侵染调控相关的R2R3-MYB基因家族成员,并对这些基因在病毒侵染不同阶段的表达模式进行实时荧光定量PCR分析。结果表明,菜豆R2R3-MYB基因家族共有159个成员,不均匀分布于菜豆11条染色体上,多含有2个内含子,编码184~554个氨基酸,均为亲水性蛋白。系统进化关系将菜豆R2R3-MYB基因家族成员分为32个亚组(P1~P32),同一亚组成员具有高度保守的基因结构和基序。菜豆基因组内共线性分析表明,片段复制事件和串联复制事件均进行了纯化选择。转录组数据显示,BCMV侵染前后菜豆接种叶和系统叶分别有20、33个差异表达基因;qRT-PCR分析表明,这些基因在病毒侵染后表达均有变化,其中,PvMYB18、PvMYB33、PvMYB92、PvMYB93在侵染早期和显症期均呈现先升高后降低的趋势,而PvMYB29、PvMYB97、PvMYB124、PvMYB128、PvMYB134仅在侵染早期剧烈响应,这些基因的表达特点揭示其可能参与了菜豆对BCMV侵染不同阶段应答反应的调控。

The R2R3-MYB transcription factor GaPC controls petal coloration in cotton

Although a few cases of genetic epistasis in plants have been reported, the combined analysis of genetically phenotypic segregation and the related molecular mechanism remains rarely studied. Here, we have identified a gene(named GaPC) controlling petal coloration in Gossypium arboreum and following a heritable recessive epistatic genetic model. Petal coloration is controlled by a single dominant gene,GaPC. A loss-of-function mutation of GaPC leads to a recessive gene Gapc that masks the phenotype of other color genes and shows recessive epistatic interactions. Map-based cloning showed that GaPC encodes an R2R3-MYB transcription factor. A 4814-bp long terminal repeat retrotransposon insertion at the second exon led to GaPC loss of function and disabled petal coloration. GaPC controlled petal coloration by regulating the anthocyanin and flavone biosynthesis pathways. Expression of core genes in the phenylpropanoid and anthocyanin pathways was higher in colored than in white petals. Petal color was conferred by flavonoids and anthocyanins, with red and yellow petals rich in anthocyanin and flavonol glycosides, respectively. This study provides new insight on molecular mechanism of recessive epistasis,also has potential breeding value by engineering GaPC to develop colored petals or fibers for multifunctional utilization of cotton.

(R)-3-氨基-3,4-二氢-1-甲氧基喹啉-2(1H)-酮的合成

首先,以D-苯丙氨酸和二碳酸二叔丁酯为起始原料,经过Boc氨基保护合成N-叔丁氧羰基苯丙氨酸;然后N-叔丁氧羰基苯丙氨酸在甲氧氨盐酸盐的作用下生成缩合物2-(N-叔丁氧羰基)-N-甲氧基-3-苯丙酰胺;然后缩合物在催化剂二(三氟乙酸)碘苯的作用下成环生成3-(N-叔丁氧羰基)-3,4-二氢-1-甲氧基喹啉-2(1H)-酮;最后后者经过脱保护合成目标产物。该方法具有操作简单、成本低等优点,四步总收率15.1%,产物经过1H-NMR和MS确认。

In silico genome-wide identification,phylogeny and expression analysis of the R2R3-MYB gene family in Medicago truncatula

The R2R3-MYB genes make up one of the largest transcription factor families in plants, and play regulatory roles in various biological processes such as development, metabolism and defense response. Although genome-wide analyses of this gene family have been conducted in several species, R2R3-MYB genes have not been systematically analyzed in Medicago truncatula, a sequenced model legume plant. Here, we performed a comprehensive, genome-wide computational analysis of the structural characteristics, phylogeny, functions and expression patterns of M. truncatula R2R3-MYB genes. DNA binding domains are highly conserved among the 155 putative MtR2R3-MYB proteins that we identified. Chromosomal location analysis revealed that these genes were distributed across all eight chromosomes. Results showed that the expansion of the MtR2R3-MYB family was mainly attributable to segmental duplication and tandem duplication. A comprehensive classification was performed based on phylogenetic analysis of the R2R3-MYB gene families in M. truncatula, Arabidopsis thaliana and other plant species. Evolutionary relationships within clades were supported by clade-specific conserved motifs outside the MYB domain. Species-specific clades have been gained or lost during evolution, resulting in functional divergence. Also, tissue-specific expression patterns were investigated. The functions of stress response-related clades were further verified by the changes in transcript levels of representative R2R3-MYB genes upon treatment with abiotic and biotic stresses. This study is the first report on identification and characterization of R2R3-MYB gene family based on the genome of M. truncatula, and will facilitate functional analysis of this gene family in the future.

Camellia sinensis CsMYB4a participates in regulation of stamen growth by interaction with auxin signaling transduction repressor CsAUX/IAA4

Subgroup 4(Sg4)members of the R2R3-MYB are generally known as negative regulators of the phenylpropanoid pathway in plants.Our previous research showed that a R2R3-MYB Sg4 member from Camellia sinensis(CsMYB4a)inhibits expression of some genes in the phenylpropanoid pathway,but its physiological function in the tea plant remained unknown.Here,CsMYB4a was found to be highly expressed in anther and filaments,and participated in regulating filament growth.Transcriptome analysis and exogenous auxin treatment showed that the target of CsMYB4a might be the auxin signal pathway.Auxin/indole-3-acetic acid 4(AUX/IAA4),a repressor in auxin signal transduction,was detected from a yeast two-hybrid screen using CsMYB4a as bait.Gene silencing assays showed that both CsIAA4 and CsMYB4a regulate filament growth.Tobacco plants overexpressing CsIAA4 were insensitive to exogenous a-NAA,consistent with overexpression of CsMYB4a.Protein-protein interaction experiments revealed that CsMYB4a interacts with N-terminal of CsIAA4 to prevent CsIAA4 degradation.Knock out of the endogenous NtIAA4 gene,a CsIAA4 homolog,in tobacco alleviated filament growth inhibition and a-NAA insensitivity in plants overexpressing CsMYB4a.All results strongly suggest that CsMYB4a works synergistically with CsIAA4 and participates in regulation of the auxin pathway in stamen.

Evolution of the R2R3-MYB gene family in six Rosaceae species and expression in woodland strawberry

R2R3-MYB gene family play important roles in plants development, metabolism, and responses to various biotic and abiotic stresses. In this study, 838 R2 R3-MYB genes were identified from six Rosaceae species, including 105 in woodland strawberry(Fragaria vesca), 173 in European pear(Pyrus communis), 219 in apple(Malus domestica), 121 in peach(Prunus persica), 121 in Chinese rose(Rosa chinensis), and 99 in black raspberry(Rubus occidentalis). All R2 R3-MYB genes in the six Rosaceae species were clustered into 51 species-specific duplicated clades with 109 genes and 50 lineage-specific duplicated clades with 242 genes according to phylogenetic analysis. R2 R3-MYB genes were distributed on all chromosomes in each of the six species, with a small amount of tandem duplication events. The proportion of tandem repeat genes ranged from 0 to 25.1%. The R2 R3-MYB protein was conserved in a clade and likely to share similar functions. The distribution of Ks showed the duplication times of R2 R3-MYB genes in six Rosaceae species. Furthermore, most of the R2 R3-MYB genes had Ka/Ks values less than 1, which indicated they were driven by purifying selection during the evolutionary processes. The GO term enrichment analysis revealed that R2 R3-MYB genes in strawberry and black raspberry were more divergent than in other Rosaceae species. Analysis of transcriptomes of 42 different tissues and development stages of woodland strawberry showed that high expression levels of R2 R3-MYB suggested that the R2 R3-MYB genes in strawberry played a key role in growth and development of both vegetative tissues and fruits. The strawberry R2 R3-MYB genes in sub-group of S1, S2, S11, S20, and S22 had high expression levels both in young leaves(YL) and old leaves(OL) strawberry tissues under drought treatments.