Evolution and expression analyses of the MADS-box gene family in Brassica napus

PLoS One. 2018 Jul 19;13(7):e0200762. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0200762. eCollection 2018.

Abstract

MADS-box transcription factors are important for plant growth and development, and hundreds of MADS-box genes have been functionally characterized in plants. However, less is known about the functions of these genes in the economically important allopolyploid oil crop, Brassica napus. We identified 307 potential MADS-box genes (BnMADSs) in the B. napus genome and categorized them into type I (Mα, Mβ, and Mγ) and type II (MADS DNA-binding domain, intervening domain, keratin-like domain, and C-terminal domain [MIKC]c and MIKC*) based on phylogeny, protein motif structure, and exon-intron organization. We identified one conserved intron pattern in the MADS-box domain and seven conserved intron patterns in the K-box domain of the MIKCc genes that were previously ignored and may be associated with function. Chromosome distribution and synteny analysis revealed that hybridization between Brassica rapa and Brassica oleracea, segmental duplication, and homologous exchange (HE) in B. napus were the main BnMADSs expansion mechanisms. Promoter cis-element analyses indicated that BnMADSs may respond to various stressors (drought, heat, hormones) and light. Expression analyses showed that homologous genes in a given subfamily or sister pair are highly conserved, indicating widespread functional conservation and redundancy. Analyses of BnMADSs provide a basis for understanding their functional roles in plant development.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Brassica napus / classification
  • Brassica napus / genetics*
  • Chromosomes, Plant / genetics*
  • Evolution, Molecular*
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Plant*
  • MADS Domain Proteins / genetics*
  • Plant Proteins / genetics*

Substances

  • MADS Domain Proteins
  • Plant Proteins

Grants and funding

This work was supported by the “111” Project of China (B12006), National Natural Science Foundation of China (31671727 and 31471528), the National Basic Research Program of China (973 Program; 2015CB150201).