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.