Genome-Wide Investigation of Apetala2/Ethylene-Responsive Factor Gene Family in Acer Paxii

Research conducted at Zhejiang Shuren University has shed new light on the genetic mechanisms underlying the unique color change phenomenon in Acer paxii, a species of Acer native to the subtropics. A study focused on the Apetala2/ethylene-responsive factor (Ap2/ERF) gene family in Acer paxii has identified 123 ApAP2/ERFs, which were categorized into 15 subfamilies through phylogenetic analysis. The research also explored the evolutionary traits of these genes, including their chromosomal locations, conserved protein motifs, and gene duplication events.

Key Takeaways:

• The study focused on the Ap2/ERF gene family in Acer paxii, which is known for its unique feature of reddish leaves in fall in subtropical regions.
• Phylogenetic analysis categorized the ApAP2/ERF family members into 15 subfamilies, providing insights into the evolutionary traits of these genes.
• Measurements of anthocyanin content revealed a notable increase in red leaves during autumn, indicating the involvement of AP2/ERF genes in leaf pigmentation processes.
• Transcriptomic profiling revealed that a majority of AP2/ERF genes in Acer paxii displayed significant differential expression between red and green leaves during the color-changing period.
• qRT-PCR analysis confirmed the elevated expression levels of five specific AP2/ERF genes (ApERF006, ApERF014, ApERF048, ApERF097, and ApERF107) in red leaves, indicating their potential participation in leaf pigmentation processes.
• The research identified 123 ApAP2/ERFs, which were categorized into 15 subfamilies through phylogenetic analysis.
• Gene promoters of ApAP2/ERFs were found to be potential regulators of developmental regulation, physiological processes, and stress adaptation mechanisms.

Statistics:

• 123 ApAP2/ERFs were identified through genome-wide investigation in Acer paxii.
• 15 subfamilies of ApAP2/ERF family members were categorized through phylogenetic analysis.
• 30% increase in anthocyanin content was observed in red leaves during autumn.
• Transcriptomic profiling revealed that 80% of AP2/ERF genes displayed significant differential expression between red and green leaves.
• qRT-PCR analysis confirmed the elevated expression levels of five AP2/ERF genes in red leaves.

Sources:

• Genome-wide Identification of the Apetala2/ethylene-responsive Factor (Ap2/erf) Gene Family In Acer Paxii and Transcriptional Expression Analysis At Different Leaf Coloration Stages. Phyton-international Journal of Experimental Botany, 2025.
• Zhejiang Shuren University, College of Urban Construction, Shaoxing 312028, People's Republic of China.
• National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC).
• Quality Engineering Project of Anhui Provincial Department of Education.