Genome-Wide Identification and Phylogenetic and Expression Analyses of the Gene Family in L.

The PLATZ family is a novel class of plant-specific zinc finger transcription factors with important roles in plant growth and development and abiotic stress responses. PLATZ members have been identified in many plants, including , , , , and ; however, due to the complexity of the alfalfa reference genome, the members of the PLATZ gene family in alfalfa ( L.) have not been systematically identified and analyzed. In this study, 55 genes () were identified in the alfalfa "Xinjiangdaye" reference genome. Basic bioinformatic analysis was performed, including the characterization of sequence lengths, protein molecular weights, genomic positions, and conserved motifs. Expression analysis reveals that 7 are tissue-specifically expressed, and 10 are expressed in all examined tissues. The transcriptomic expression of these genes is obvious, indicating that these s have different functions in the growth and development of alfalfa. Based on transcriptome data analysis and real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), we identified 22, 22, and 21 genes that responded to salt, cold, and drought stress, respectively, with 20 responding to all three stresses. This study lays a foundation for further exploring the functions of , and provides ideas for the improvement of alfalfa varieties and germplasm innovation.