Dynamic evolution of MADS-box genes in extant ferns via large-scale phylogenomic analysis

Several studies of MADS-box transcription factors in flowering plants have been conducted, and these studies have indicated that they have conserved functions in floral organ development; MIKC-type MADS-box genes has been proved to be expanded in ferns, however, few systematic studies of these transcription factors have been conducted in non-seed plants. Although ferns and seed plants are sister groups, they exhibit substantial morphological differences. Here, we clarified the evolution of MADS-box genes across 71 extant fern species using available transcriptome, genome, and gene expression data.

针对开花植物中的MADS-box转录因子（MADS-box transcription factors）已开展多项研究，此类研究揭示该类因子在花器官发育过程中具有保守功能；已有研究证实蕨类植物中的MIKC型MADS-box基因（MIKC-type MADS-box genes）发生了扩张，但针对非种子植物中这类转录因子的系统性研究仍较为匮乏。尽管蕨类植物与种子植物互为姊妹群，但二者在形态学层面存在显著差异。本研究利用已公开的转录组、基因组及基因表达数据，阐明了71个现存蕨类物种中MADS-box基因的演化历程。