Biotechnology Bulletin ›› 2026, Vol. 42 ›› Issue (3): 362-373.doi: 10.13560/j.cnki.biotech.bull.1985.2025-0563

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Identification of Cerasus humilisSPL Gene Family and Expression Analysis during Fruit Development

LI Tian-yuan(), QI Xin-liang, LIU Shan, ZHANG Jian-cheng, WANG Peng-fei, ZHANG Shuai, JIA Lu-ting, MU Xiao-peng()   

  1. College of Horticulture, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu 030801
  • Received:2025-05-31 Online:2026-03-26 Published:2026-04-23
  • Contact: MU Xiao-peng E-mail:17735426816@163.com;15110671026@163.com

Abstract:

Objective To study the structure function and expression of the SPL gene family members in Cerasus humilis, laying a foundation for further research on the function of the SPL gene family in C. humilis. Method Based on the whole genome and transcriptome data of C. humilis, the SPL gene family members were systematically identified, and the ChSPL gene family was subjected to bioinformatics analysis and expression pattern analysis. Result A total of 17 ChSPL gene family members (ChSPL01-ChSPL17) were identified. ChSPLs were unevenly distributed on 7 chromosomes. The gene structures and conserved domains within each subfamily showed high similarity. ChSPL14-ChSPL16 were located in the cytoplasm, while the other family members were located in the nucleus. The cis-acting element analysis indicated that the light-response elements were the most abundant in ChSPLs, followed by anaerobic induction response elements (ARE), abscisic acid response elements (ABRE), and methyl jasmonate response elements (CGTCA-motif). Based on transcriptome and RT-qPCR analysis, most ChSPLs (ChSPL01, ChSPL02, ChSPL06, ChSPL09, and ChSPL11) showed high expressions in the early stage of fruit development, and their expressions gradually decreased as the fruit matured. In contrast, ChSPL12, ChSPL14, and ChSPL16 showed gradually increasing expressions during fruit development, with ChSPL12 having the highest expression at the fruit maturity stage. ChSPLs also had obvious tissue-specific expression. ChSPL02, ChSPL05, ChSPL06, ChSPL10, and ChSPL17 had relatively high expressions in the stems and leaves; ChSPL01, ChSPL04, and ChSPL09 had relatively high expressions in the leaves; while ChSPL14, ChSPL15, and ChSPL16 had relatively high expressions in the flowers and fruits. Conclusion A total of 17 ChSPL genes in C. humilis were identified. It is speculated that the ChSPL gene family plays an important role in fruit development, and ChSPL12, ChSPL14, and ChSPL16 may be key candidate genes promoting fruit ripening, providing a reference for future research on the function of ChSPL genes.

Key words: Cerasus humilis, SPL gene family, bioinformatics analysis, fruit development, analysis of gene expression, cis-acting elements