The Identification and Characterization of WOX Family Genes in Reveals Their Potential Roles in Somatic Embryogenesis and the Cold-Stress Response.

() genes play significant roles in plant development and stress responses. Difficulties in somatic embryogenesis are a significant constraint on the uniform seedling production and genetic modification of , hindering efforts to improve coffee production in Yunnan, China. This study comprehensively analyzed genes in three species. A total of 23 , 12 , and 10 were identified. Transcriptomic profile analysis indicated that about half of the genes were actively expressed during somatic embryogenesis. The most represented were , , , and , which are suggested to promote the induction and development of the embryogenic callus, whereas and are suggested to negatively impact these processes. Co-expression analysis revealed that somatic embryogenesis-related were co-expressed with genes involved in embryo development, post-embryonic development, DNA repair, DNA metabolism, phenylpropanoid metabolism, secondary metabolite biosynthesis, and several epigenetic pathways. In addition, qRT-PCR showed that four genes responded to cold stress. Overall, this study offers valuable insights into the functions of genes during somatic embryogenesis and under cold stress. The results suggest that certain genes play distinct regulatory roles during somatic embryogenesis, meriting further functional investigation. Moreover, the cold-responsive genes identified here are promising candidates for further molecular analysis to assess their potential to enhance cold tolerance.