Li Ying, Deng Yufei, Qin Debin, An Xinmin
State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China; National Engineering Research Center of Tree Breeding and Ecological Restoration, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China; Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Tree Breeding by Molecular Design, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China.
State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China; National Engineering Research Center of Tree Breeding and Ecological Restoration, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China; Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Tree Breeding by Molecular Design, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China.
Int J Biol Macromol. 2025 Mar;296:139547. doi: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.139547. Epub 2025 Jan 8.
Populus tomentosa, a deciduous tree species distinguished by its significant economic and ecological value, enjoys a wide-ranging natural distribution. However, its long juvenile period severely restricts the advancement of breeding work. The SPL gene family, a distinctive class of transcription factors exclusive to the plant kingdom, is critical in various processes of plant growth and development. The miR156-SPL molecular module stands as an indispensable regulatory mechanism in the transition from the vegetative juvenile phase to the adult phase in plants. Consequently, this research endeavored a methodical and exhaustive exploration of the SPL gene family within the P.tomentosa species, synergistically integrating the miR156 family into the analysis. A total of 56 PtSPL genes were identified and subjected to a comprehensive analysis of their gene structure, conserved motifs, collinearity relationships, chromosomal localization, and promoter cis-acting elements. Further analysis of gene expression profiles confirmed the pivotal role of PtSPLs in the reproductive phase and tissue development of P. tomentosa. In addition, 11 members of miR156 in P. tomentosa were identified and their sequences analyzed, elucidating the miR156-SPL regulatory network. The target relationship between miR156k and PtSPLs was further validated by detecting the expression levels of PtSPLs in transgenic poplars overexpressing 35S::MIR156k. This comprehensive study lays a robust theoretical foundation for the continued exploration and application of the SPL genes in P. tomentosa, opening avenues for future research and potential advancements in plant biology and breeding strategies.
毛白杨是一种具有重要经济和生态价值的落叶树种，自然分布广泛。然而，其漫长的幼年期严重限制了育种工作的进展。SPL基因家族是植物界特有的一类独特转录因子，在植物生长发育的各个过程中起着关键作用。miR156-SPL分子模块是植物从营养幼年期向成年期转变过程中不可或缺的调控机制。因此，本研究对毛白杨中的SPL基因家族进行了系统而详尽的探索，并将miR156家族协同纳入分析。共鉴定出56个PtSPL基因，并对其基因结构、保守基序、共线性关系、染色体定位和启动子顺式作用元件进行了全面分析。对基因表达谱的进一步分析证实了PtSPL在毛白杨生殖阶段和组织发育中的关键作用。此外，鉴定了毛白杨中11个miR156成员并分析了其序列，阐明了miR156-SPL调控网络。通过检测过表达35S::MIR156k的转基因杨树中PtSPL的表达水平，进一步验证了miR156k与PtSPL之间的靶向关系。这项综合研究为毛白杨中SPL基因的持续探索和应用奠定了坚实的理论基础，为植物生物学和育种策略的未来研究和潜在进展开辟了道路。
