Identification of the WOX Gene Family in Paeonia lactiflora Based on Transcriptome Data and Functional Analysis of PlWOX5 Under Salt Stress

doi:10.15933/j.cnki.1004-3268.2025.04.006

Abstract

Abstract: In order to clarify the function，evolutionary relationship，and role in biological processes of the Paeonia lactiflora WOX gene family，members of Paeonia lactiflora WOX family（PlWOXs）were identified based on transcriptome data，followed by a comprehensive bioinformatics analysis of their protein physicochemical properties，structures，evolutionary relationships，and expression patterns.The results showed that five PlWOX genes were identified based on the transcriptome data of Paeonia lactiflora，and their encoded amino acids were mainly hydrophobic and unstable alkaline nucleoproteins.The results of the system evolution analysis showed that the PlWOXs gene was distributed in both WUS/modern lineages and ancient lineages，with no PlWOXs gene distribution in the intermediate lineages.Theresults of protein structure analysis indicated that there were differences in the distribution and quantity of Motif on different PlWOXs genes，and they had significant tissue specificity.PlWOX2 and PlWOX5 were mainly highly expressed in Paeonia lactiflora leaves.The qRT‐PCR detection results showed that PlWOXs genes were responsive to salt stress，but PlWOX5 showed a more significant response to salt stress.Overexpression of PlWOX5 gene could enhance salt tolerance in Arabidopsis by enhancing antioxidant enzyme activity（superoxide dismutase，peroxidase，catalase）and increasing the content of osmoregulatory substances（soluble proteins）to promote reactive oxygen species（ROS）clearance.In conclusion，PlWOX5 gene can improve the salt tolerance of Paeonia lactiflora by increasing the activity of
antioxidant enzymes and the content of osmotic regulators.

Key words: WOX gene family, Paeonia lactiflora, Salt stress, Antioxidant enzyme activity, Osmotic regulatory substance

摘要： 为了明晰芍药WOX基因家族的功能、进化关系及其在生物学过程中的作用，基于转录组数据鉴定芍药WOX（PlWOX）家族成员，并对其蛋白质理化性质、结构、进化关系、基因表达模式等进行生物信息学分析。结果表明，基于芍药转录组数据共鉴定出5个PlWOX基因，其编码的氨基酸以疏水不稳定的碱性核蛋白为主。系统进化分析结果显示，PlWOX基因分布在WUS/现代支系和古老支系上，中间支系无PlWOX基因分布。蛋白质结构分析结果表明，不同PlWOX基因上Motif的分布和数量均存在差异，并且其表达具有明显的组织特异性，其中PlWOX2和PlWOX5主要在芍药叶中高表达。qRT-PCR检测结果表明，PlWOX基因对盐胁迫均具有响应，但PlWOX5对盐胁迫的响应程度更高。过表达PlWOX5基因可以通过增强抗氧化酶活性（超氧化物歧化酶、过氧化物酶、过氧化氢酶）和提高渗透调节物质（可溶性蛋白）含量促进活性氧（ROS）清除，进而增强拟南芥的耐盐性。综上，PlWOX5基因通过提高抗氧化酶活性和渗透调节物质的含量，提高芍药的耐盐性。

关键词: WOX基因家族, 芍药, 盐胁迫, 抗氧化酶活性, 渗透调节物质

CLC Number:

S682.12

PENG Bo, MA Mengmei, ZHAO Ping. Identification of the WOX Gene Family in Paeonia lactiflora Based on Transcriptome Data and Functional Analysis of PlWOX5 Under Salt Stress[J]. Journal of Henan Agricultural Sciences, 2025, 54(4): 57-65.

彭波, 马梦梅, 赵苹. 基于转录组的芍药WOX基因家族鉴定及PlWOX5在盐胁迫下的功能分析[J]. 河南农业科学, 2025, 54(4): 57-65.

Figures/Tables 10

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