Chinese Bulletin of Botany ›› 2023, Vol. 58 ›› Issue (3): 404-416.DOI: 10.11983/CBB22105

• EXPERIMENTAL COMMUNICATIONS • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Phylogenetic and Expression Analysis of MADS-box Gene Family in Rhododendron ovatum

Fuhui Sun, Huiyi Fang, Xiaohui Wen, Liangsheng Zhang()   

  1. Genomics and Genetic Engineering Laboratory of Ornamental Plants, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
  • Received:2022-05-21 Accepted:2022-08-24 Online:2023-05-01 Published:2023-05-17
  • Contact: *E-mail: zls83@zju.edu.cn

Abstract: Rhododendron is famous for its diversity and ornamental value. Rhododendron ovatum has unique flower type and low-altitude adaptability, thus possessing landscape application prospect in southern China. In this study, we analyzed evolutionary pattern within Ericales based on recently published genomes, and identified key genes underlying flower development of R. ovatum. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the number of MADS-box genes in three representative species of Rhododendron (R. ovatum, R. simsii, and R. delavayi) was relatively consistent and can be divided into 19 subfamilies, including AP1, AP3, PI, AG, and SEP. MADS-box gene have expanded, especially SVP, ANR1, Mα, Mβ, and Mγ. Multiple copies were retained in AG and SEP clades in R. ovatum. While a few copies of AP3/PI gene, indicating a more conservative evolutionary pattern. The transcriptome data illustrated tissue-specific expression pattern in MADS-box genes, among which AP1, AP3/PI, AG, SEP and MIKC* genes are specifically expressed in floral organs. Overall, we discussed evolutionary history of MADS-box gene family in R. ovatum and proposed functions, providing reference for further study the flower development and functional analysis of MADS-box genes in R. ovatum.

Key words: Rhododendron ovatum, Ericaceae, MADS-box gene family, flower development, expression analysis