AUTHOR=Yu Yuanhui , Yang Miaomiao , Liu Xinya , Xia Yan , Hu Ruoqian , Xia Qingqing , Jing Danlong , Guo Qigao 

TITLE=Genome-wide analysis of the WOX gene family and the role of EjWUSa in regulating flowering in loquat (Eriobotrya japonica)

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Plant Science

VOLUME=13

YEAR=2022

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/plant-science/articles/10.3389/fpls.2022.1024515

DOI=10.3389/fpls.2022.1024515

ISSN=1664-462X

ABSTRACT=<p>The WUSCHEL (WUS)-related homeobox (<italic>WOX</italic>) gene family plays a crucial role in stem cell maintenance, apical meristem formation, embryonic development, and various other developmental processes. However, the identification and function of <italic>WOX</italic> genes have not been reported in perennial loquat. In this study, 18 <italic>EjWOX</italic> genes were identified in the loquat genome. Chromosomal localization analysis showed that 18 <italic>EjWOX</italic> genes were located on 12 of 17 chromosomes. Gene structure analysis showed that all <italic>EjWOX</italic> genes contain introns, of which 11 <italic>EjWOX</italic> genes contain untranslated regions. There are 8 pairs of segmental duplication genes and 0 pairs of tandem duplication genes in the loquat <italic>WOX</italic> family, suggesting that segmental duplications might be the main reason for the expansion of the loquat <italic>WOX</italic> family. A <italic>WOX</italic> transcription factor gene named <italic>EjWUSa</italic> was isolated from loquat. The EjWUSa protein was localized in the nucleus. Protein interactions between EjWUSa with EjWUSa and EjSTM were verified. Compared with wild-type <italic>Arabidopsis thaliana</italic>, the <italic>35S::EjWUSa</italic> transgenic <italic>Arabidopsis</italic> showed early flowering. Our study provides an important basis for further research on the function of <italic>EjWOX</italic> genes and facilitates the molecular breeding of loquat early-flowering varieties.</p>