Insights Into the Molecular Evolution of AT-Hook Motif Nuclear Localization Genes in .

AT-hook motif nuclear localization (AHL) proteins belong to a family of transcription factors, and play important roles in plant growth and development and response to various stresses through protein-DNA and protein-protein interactions. To better understand the gene family, genes in and related species were analyzed. Using as a reference, 122 gene family members were first identified in . According to the phylogenetic tree and gene organization, the BnaAHLs were classified into two clades (Clade-A and Clade-B) and three types (Type-I, Type-II, and Type-III). Gene organization and motif distribution analysis suggested that the gene family is relatively conserved during evolution. These are unevenly distributed on 38 chromosomes and expanded by whole-genome duplication (WGD) or segmental duplication. And large-scale loss events have also occurred in evolution. All types of are subject to purification or neutral selection, while some positive selection sites are also identified in Type-II and Type-III groups. At the same time, the purification effect of Type-I members are stronger than that of the others. In addition, RNA-seq data and -acting element analysis also suggested that the BnaAHLs play important roles in growth and development, as well as in response to some abiotic and biotic stresses. Protein-protein interaction analysis identified some important BnaAHL-binding proteins, which also play key roles in plant growth and development. This study is helpful to fully understand the origin and evolution of the gene in , and lays the foundation for their functional studies.