Pan-Genome Analysis of R2R3-MYB Genes in Brassica napus Unveils Phylogenetic Divergence and Expression Profiles

Strategic Insights -

A team of researchers from Huazhong Agricultural University, led by Haiyan Fan, has made a significant breakthrough in plant science by analyzing the R2R3-MYB transcription factors in Brassica napus. The study, published in Frontiers in Plant Science, reveals the genetic diversity and functional roles of these TFs at a pan-genome scale. The researchers used a pan-genome approach to identify 7,552 R2R3-MYB genes from 18 B. napus genomes, which were grouped into 353 gene clusters based on their phylogenetic relationships. The study also analyzed transcriptomic datasets to identify hormone-responsive and stress-responsive genes, highlighting the importance of these TFs in stress adaptation in rapeseed breeding programs.

Key Takeaways:

  • The researchers systematically identified 7,552 R2R3-MYB genes from 18 B. napus genomes, grouped into 353 gene clusters.
  • The study revealed the conserved functional roles of R2R3-MYB genes in Brassica napus and Arabidopsis thaliana.
  • Cis-element profiling highlighted enrichment in hormone-responsive and stress-related elements in the promoter regions of R2R3-MYB genes.
  • Transcriptomic analyses identified 283 hormone-responsive and 266 stress-responsive R2R3-MYB genes.
  • The study provided the first pan-genome resource for R2R3-MYB genes in B. napus, which can serve as pivotal targets for enhancing stress resilience in rapeseed breeding programs.
  • The researchers analyzed transcriptomic datasets from hormone treatments and drought/heat stress experiments to identify hormone-responsive and stress-responsive genes.
  • The study involved a team of researchers from Huazhong Agricultural University, including writers Haiyan Fan, Jiawei Li, Wencong Huang, and Aoshuang Liang, among others.

Statistics:

  • 7,552 R2R3-MYB genes were identified from 18 B. napus genomes.
  • The 353 gene clusters included 139 core, 121 softcore, 68 dispensable, and 25 private gene clusters.
  • The B. napus R2R3-MYB genes can be clustered into 29 subgroups based on phylogenetic tree.
  • 283 hormone-responsive and 266 stress-responsive R2R3-MYB genes were identified through transcriptomic analyses.
  • 30 co-regulated genes under drought and heat stress implicated the roles of R2R3-MYB genes in combined stress adaptation.

Sources:

  • Pan-genome analysis of the R2R3-MYB genes family in Brassica napus unveils phylogenetic divergence and expression profiles under hormone and abiotic stress treatments. Frontiers in Plant Science, 2025, 16.
  • https://doi-org.sdpl.idm.oclc.org/10.3389/fpls.2025.1588362
  • NewsRx. Research from Huazhong Agricultural University Broadens Understanding of Plant Science (Pan-genome analysis of the R2R3-MYB genes family in Brassica napus unveils phylogenetic divergence and expression profiles under hormone and abiotic stress ...). Science Letter. June 13, 2025; p 966.