Fu Congcong, Zhao Mengru, Xia Huiting, Ren Puyu, Liu Weichao, Wang Qirui, Zhang Kaiming
College of Landscape Architecture and Art, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China.
Int J Mol Sci. 2025 Jun 29;26(13):6291. doi: 10.3390/ijms26136291.
The phosphatidylethanolamine-binding protein (PEBP) gene family, known for its pivotal role in controlling floral transition, regulates flowering time, and, thus, shapes the continuous-flowering trait in ornamental plants. In this study, we conducted the first genome-wide identification and bioinformatics analysis of the gene family in 'Super Olympia', a variety that exhibits year-round flowering. Via phylogenetic analysis, a total of 10 genes were identified and categorized into four subfamilies: the FT-like (two members), TFL1-like (three members), PEBP-like (three members), and MFT-like (two members) subfamilies. Gene structure analysis revealed highly conserved motif compositions among family members, and protein tertiary structure prediction indicated the dominance of random coils in their structures. Promoter cis-acting element analysis revealed light-responsive, hormone-responsive (ABA, GA, and JA), and abiotic stress-responsive elements in the genes, suggesting their potential integration into multiple regulatory pathways. The tissue-specific expression profiles revealed that was significantly upregulated in floral organs, whereas TFL1-like subfamily members were predominantly expressed in vegetative tissues. These findings imply that the and genes antagonistically regulate the continuous-flowering trait of 'Super Olympia' through their respective roles in promoting and repressing flowering. Our findings provide a preliminary theoretical foundation for elucidating the molecular mechanisms by which the gene family regulates flowering time in ornamental plants and offer valuable insights for developing breeding strategies aimed at flowering time modulation.
磷脂酰乙醇胺结合蛋白（PEBP）基因家族以其在控制花期转换中的关键作用而闻名，它调控开花时间，从而塑造了观赏植物的连续开花性状。在本研究中，我们对全年开花的品种“超级奥林匹亚”中的该基因家族进行了首次全基因组鉴定和生物信息学分析。通过系统发育分析，共鉴定出10个基因，并将其分为四个亚家族：FT类（两个成员）、TFL1类（三个成员）、PEBP类（三个成员）和MFT类（两个成员）亚家族。基因结构分析揭示了家族成员间高度保守的基序组成，蛋白质三级结构预测表明其结构中以无规卷曲为主。启动子顺式作用元件分析揭示了这些基因中的光响应、激素响应（脱落酸、赤霉素和茉莉酸）和非生物胁迫响应元件，表明它们可能整合到多种调控途径中。组织特异性表达谱显示，该基因在花器官中显著上调，而TFL1类亚家族成员主要在营养组织中表达。这些发现表明，该基因和TFL1类基因通过其在促进和抑制开花中的各自作用，拮抗调控“超级奥林匹亚”的连续开花性状。我们的研究结果为阐明该基因家族调控观赏植物开花时间的分子机制提供了初步的理论基础，并为制定旨在调控开花时间的育种策略提供了有价值的见解。
