Genome-Wide Identification of Litchi SPL Gene Family and Expression Analysis in Pericarp Anthocyanin Biosynthesis
Ziqiang Xu,
Jiayun Wu,
Xiangyang Jing,
Faiza Shafique Khan,
Yanzhao Chen,
Zhe Chen,
Hongna Zhang,
Yongzan Wei
Affiliations
Ziqiang Xu
Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Quality Control of Tropical Horticultural Crops, School of Tropical Agriculture and Forestry, Hainan University, Danzhou 571737, China
Jiayun Wu
Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Quality Control of Tropical Horticultural Crops, School of Tropical Agriculture and Forestry, Hainan University, Danzhou 571737, China
Xiangyang Jing
Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Quality Control of Tropical Horticultural Crops, School of Tropical Agriculture and Forestry, Hainan University, Danzhou 571737, China
Faiza Shafique Khan
Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Quality Control of Tropical Horticultural Crops, School of Tropical Agriculture and Forestry, Hainan University, Danzhou 571737, China
Yanzhao Chen
Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Quality Control of Tropical Horticultural Crops, School of Tropical Agriculture and Forestry, Hainan University, Danzhou 571737, China
Zhe Chen
Institute of Tropical Fruit Trees, Hainan Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Utilization of Tropical Fruits and Vegetables (Co-Construction by Ministry and Province) of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Key Laboratory of Tropical Fruit Tree Biology of Hainan Province/Investigation Station of Tropical Fruit Trees of Ministry of Agriculture, Haikou 571100, China
Hongna Zhang
Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Quality Control of Tropical Horticultural Crops, School of Tropical Agriculture and Forestry, Hainan University, Danzhou 571737, China
Yongzan Wei
State Key Laboratory of Biological Breeding of Tropical Crops, Institute of Tropical Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou 571101, China
During the ripening of litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) fruit, anthocyanin biosynthesis is crucial in providing vibrant coloring. Previous studies on anthocyanin-related transcription factors have made significant discoveries relating to plants. However, the role of the SQUAMOSA promoter-binding protein-like (SPL) transcription factors in anthocyanin biosynthesis has rarely been studied in litchi. SPL genes are widely involved in the developmental mechanisms of plants. In this study, a total of 17 SPL genes have been identified from the litchi genome. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that these genes were divided into eight groups (Group I-VIII). Analysis of gene structure conserved domains, conserved motifs, and miR156 target prediction showed that LcSPLs were highly conserved during evolution. RNA-seq analysis of litchi revealed that six LcSPL genes have a role in regulating anthocyanin biosynthesis. Further, weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA) revealed LcSPL7’s role in anthocyanin synthesis and chlorophyll degradation in litchi fruit ripening. These findings collectively suggest that the LcSPL gene family plays an essential role in anthocyanin biosynthesis in litchi pericarp. In summary, comprehensive bioinformatics analysis of the SPL family expands our understanding of anthocyanin synthesis in litchi pericarp.
