Molecular Evolution of the () Family Genes in 14 Plant Species.

The vacuolar iron transporter (VIT) proteins are involved in the storage and transport of iron. However, the evolution of this gene family in plants is unknown. In this study, I first identified 114 genes in 14 plant species and classified these genes into seven groups by phylogenetic analysis. Conserved gene organization and motif distribution implied conserved function in each group. I also found that tandem duplication, segmental duplication and transposition contributed to the expansion of this gene family. Additionally, several positive selection sites were identified. Divergent expression patterns of soybean genes were further investigated in different development stages and under iron stress. Functional network analysis exhibited 211 physical or functional interactions. The results will provide the basis for further functional studies of the genes in plants.