Study on the Structure and Evolution of WOX Genes in the Populus trichocarpa Genome

Abstract

The WOX gene family, a group of plant transcription factors, regulates growth, development, metabolism, and hormone signaling. This study employed bioinformatics to predict members and sequence characteristics of the Populus trichocarpa WOX gene family. By aligning the Populus trichocarpa genome with Arabidopsis and rice WOX genes, protein and nucleic acid sequences were obtained. Protein homology analysis identified all members, visualized with TBtools. Using MEGA11, an evolutionary tree of Populus trichocarpa and Arabidopsis WOX genes was constructed, revealing 18 predicted Populus trichocarpa WOX genes. Analysis of protein properties showed stability, and the evolutionary tree classified genes into branches, suggesting a close relationship between Populus trichocarpa and Arabidopsis WOX genes. Gene structure analysis revealed sequence variation and diversity.