Identification and Expression Analysis of the Gene Family in × Sweet with Different Flower Colors.

Basic helix-loop-helix () transcription factors play significant roles in plant growth and organ development and diverse biochemical processes. However, the function of transcription factors in woody plants is not fully understood. In this study, the gene family in × Sweet was identified and characterized using whole-genome data. A total of 109 family genes () were identified in . , and their expression levels were analyzed in flowers of different colors and developmental stages. The results showed that the family is divided into 24 subfamilies. Chromosomal localization and collinearity analyses revealed numerous duplication events during evolution, which is one of the main reasons for the diversification of gene functions. The bHLH domains showed relative conservation of RpbHLH proteins. In the promoter regions of the , various cis-regulatory elements involved in light response, gibberellic acid (GA) response, and abscisic acid (ABA) response were identified. These elements may regulate flower development and pigment synthesis. A Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) functional enrichment analysis of the target revealed that 25 genes are enriched in the flavonoid biosynthetic pathway. Potential s related to flower development and pigment synthesis were identified through a transcriptome analysis and validated through quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR). This study will enhance our understanding of functions and provide a reference for the study of flower development and coloration in . .