Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Analysis of the Transcription Factor Gene Family in Hybrid Tea Rose Under Drought Stress.

Drought stress is an important factor that reduces plant biomass production and quality. The () gene family is widely involved in biological processes such as plant growth, development, and stress response. However, the characteristics of the gene family in hybrid tea rose () and their potential functions in responding to drought stress are still unclear. In the current study, 127 genes were identified in hybrid tea rose. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the corresponding 127 AP2/ERF transcription factors belonged to five subfamilies. There was a large number of -acting elements in the gene promoters related to regulation of stress response, growth and development. By examining the RNA sequencing data in the PlantExp database, the / genes exhibiting tissue-specific and stress-responsive expression in rose were identified. Furthermore, three candidate genes (, , and ) that might participate in drought response were determined via qRT-PCR analysis in rose cultivars under drought treatment. Subcellular localization analysis revealed that was located in the nucleus. These results provide a foundation for exploring the regulatory functions of genes in the growth and development of roses, as well as for selecting key genes for future molecular breeding.