Genome-wide characterization and functional identification of genes in infected by .

Among the most important transcription factors in plants, the v-myb avian myeloblastosis viral oncogene homolog () regulates the expression network of response genes under stresses such as fungal infection. In China, the canker disease threatens the survival of , an ancestor of cultivated apples. Using the genome, we identified 457 and 128 genes that were randomly distributed across 17 chromosomes. Based on protein sequence and structure, the genes were phylogenetically divided into 29 categories, and 26 conserved motifs were identified. We further predicted -elements in the 2000-kb promoter region of s based on the genome. Transcriptome analysis of . under infection showed that 27 were significantly differentially expressed, indicating their key role in the response to infection. Using transient transformation, , , , , and , which were strongly induced by infection, were functionally identified. Among the five , and were both important in enhancing resistance to diseases, whereas inhibited resistance. Based on the results of this study, we gained a better understanding of the transcription factor family and laid the foundation for a future research program on disease prevention strategies in .