The plant-specific YABBY transcription factors have important biological roles in plant morphogenesis, growth and development. In this study, we identified six YABBY genes in pomegranate (Punica granatum) and characterized their expression pattern during flower development. Six PgYABBY genes were divided into five subfamilies (YAB1/3, YAB2, INO, CRC, and YAB5), based on protein sequence, motifs and similarity of exon-intron structure. Next, analysis of putative cis-acting element showed that PgYABBYs contained lots of hormone response and stress response elements. Subsequently, gene function prediction and protein-protein network analysis showed that PgYABBYs were associated with the development of apical meristem, flower, carpel, and ovule. Analysis of PgYABBY genes expression in various structures and organs suggested that PgYABBYs were highly activated in flower, leaf and seed coat. Analysis of expression during flower development in pomegranate showed that PgINO might play critical role in regulating the differentiation of flowers. This study provided a theoretical basis for function research and utilization of YABBY genes in pomegranate.

中文翻译：

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石榴花发育过程中YABBY基因家族的全基因组鉴定和表达

植物特异性的YABBY转录因子在植物形态发生，生长和发育中具有重要的生物学作用。在这项研究中，我们在石榴（石榴）中鉴定了六个YABBY基因，并表征了它们在花发育过程中的表达模式。根据蛋白质序列，基序和外显子-内含子结构的相似性，将六个PgYABBY基因分为五个亚家族（YAB1 / 3，YAB2，INO，CRC和YAB5）。接下来，推定的顺式作用元件分析表明，PgYABBYs含有大量的激素反应和应激反应元件。随后，基因功能预测和蛋白质-蛋白质网络分析表明，PgYABBY与顶分生组织，花，心皮和胚珠的发育有关。分析PgYABBY基因在各种结构和器官中的表达表明PgYABBY在花，叶和种皮中被高度激活。对石榴花发育过程中表达的分析表明，PgINO可能在调节花的分化中起关键作用。该研究为石榴YABBY基因的功能研究和利用提供了理论依据。