Genome-wide identification of the genes in pears and the putative role of in flower bud differentiation.

Although ( genes have been identified in several plants, little is known about genes in pears. In this study, a total of 24 genes were identified, in which 10, 5 and 9 were from genome, genome and genome, respectively. Subsequently, gene structure, phylogenetic relationship, chromosomal localization, promoter regions, collinearity and expression were determined with these genes. It was found that only from genes of was relatively highly expressed in leaves during flower bud differentiation. Whereas, expression patterns of homologues, and , were different from in buds. The expression pattern and the treatment of reduction day-length indicated that the expression of in leaves were regulated by day-length and circadian clock. Additionally, the phenotype of transgenic suggested that played a role in not only promoting flower bud differentiation, but also regulating the balance between vegetative and reproductive growth. These results may provide important information for further understanding of the evolution and function of genes in pears.