Genome-wide analysis of the GRF gene family and their expression profiling in peach (Prunus persica)

Growth-regulating factors (GRFs) are plant-specific transcription factors with vital roles in multiple biological processes. Although GRFs have been identified in various plant species, a comprehensive analysis of GRF genes in peach (Prunus persica) has not yet been reported. In this study, 10 PpGRF genes distributed on 6 chromosomes were identified in peach genome and their properties were analyzed systematically. Expression pattern analysis suggested that most PpGRFs were preferentially expressed in young tissues. Multiple types of cis-elements were observed in PpGRF promoters, and PpGRFs positively respond to ultraviolet B-rays (UVB) and gibberellin (GA) treatments at the transcriptional level. Also, the content of gibberellic acid 3 (GA3) and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) changed significantly after UVB irradiation. PpGRF 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9 and 10 positive responses to UVB and GA3 signals. The evolutionary patterns and expression profiles of PpGRFs detected in this study increase understanding of the important roles in peach.