Genome-wide identification of MAPK gene family members in Fagopyrum tataricum and their expression during development and stress responses

Background Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) plays essential roles in the development, hormone regulation and abiotic stress response of plants. Nevertheless, a comprehensive study on MAPK family members has thus far not been performed in Tartary buckwheat. Results Here, we identified 16 FtMAPKs in the Fagopyrum tataricum genome. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the FtMAPK family members could be classified into Groups A, B, C and D, in which A, B and C members contain a Thr-Glu-Tyr (TEY) signature motif and Group D members contain a Thr-Asp-Tyr (TDY) signature motif. Promoter cis-acting elements showed that most Pro(FtMAPks) contain light response elements, hormone response elements and abiotic stress response elements, and several Pro(FtMAPks) have MYB-binding sites, which may be involved in the regulation of flavonoid biosynthesis-related enzyme gene expression. Synteny analysis indicated that FtMAPKs have a variety of biological functions. Protein interaction prediction suggested that MAPKs can interact with proteins involved in development and stress resistance. Correlation analysis further confirmed that most of the FtMAPK genes and transcription factors involved in the stress response have the same expression pattern. The transient transformation of FtMAPK1 significantly increased the antioxidant enzymes activity in Tartary buckwheat leaves. In addition, we also found that FtMAPK1 can respond to salt stress by up-regulating the transcription abundance of downstream genes. Conclusions A total of 16 MAPKs were identified in Tartary buckwheat, and the members of the MAPK family containing the TDY motif were found to have expanded. The same subfamily members have relatively conserved gene structures and similar protein motifs. Tissue-specific expression indicated that the expression of all FtMAPK genes varied widely in the roots, stems, leaves and flowers. Most FtMAPKs can regulate the expression of other transcription factors and participate in the abiotic stress response. Our findings comprehensively revealed the FtMAPK gene family and laid a theoretical foundation for the functional characterization of FtMAPKs.

Automated summary

This study identified 16 MAPKs in Tartary buckwheat and found that members of the MAPK family with specific motif have expanded. These MAPKs play important roles in the development, hormone regulation, and abiotic stress response of plants. Furthermore, they can regulate the expression of other transcription factors and participate in the regulation of flavonoid biosynthesis-related enzyme genes.