Identification and Analysis of the EIN3/EIL Gene Family in <i>Populus</i> × <i>xiaohei</i> T. S. Hwang et Liang: Expression Profiling during Stress

Abstract

The ethylene-insensitive 3-like (EIN3/EIL) gene family, as a transcriptional activator in plants, not only plays an important role in the ethylene-signaling pathway in regulating plant growth and development but also participates in the defense against various biotic and abiotic stresses. However, there are few studies on the functions of EIN3/EIL genes in woody plants. Populus × xiaohei is a kind of tree species with strong drought resistance and salt-alkali tolerance and, thus, is an ideal subject for studying abiotic stress mechanisms in trees. Eight EIN3/EIL genes were cloned from Populus × xiaohei. Bioinformatic analysis showed that the PsnEIN3/EIL gene contained a highly conserved EIN3 domain, N-terminal sites rich in proline and glutamine, and other EIN3/EIL family structural characteristics. The results of a multi-species phylogenetic analysis showed that the family EIN3/EIL proteins were divided into three groups (A, B, and C). EIL3 and EIL4 belonged to groups A and B, while EIL2 and EIN3 generally belonged to group C. Analysis of tissue expression characteristics showed that PsnEIN3/EIL was expressed in different tissues and was involved in the development of stem nodes and leaves. The response analysis of the expression of PsnEIN3/EIL under abscisic acid (ABA) and abiotic stresses (salts, heavy metals, alkaline conditions, and drought) showed changes in expression, suggesting that PsnEIN3/EIL may be involved in the processes of plant hormone responses to salts, heavy metals, alkaline conditions, and drought. This study provides a foundation for further elucidation of the functions of EIN3/EIL genes in forest growth and development and abiotic stress responses.

Keywords

• <i>Populus</i> × <i>xiaohei</i>
• T. S. Hwang et Liang
• PsnEIN3/EIL family
• abiotic stress
• expression analysis