Genome-wide identification, classification and expression analysis of the JmjC domain-containing histone demethylase gene family in Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis)

Jumonji C (JmjC)-domain-containing proteins can demethylate histones in plants, and play a vital role in flowering and stress responses. The systematic analysis of JmjC genes was carried out in several species, but has not been reported in moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis). In this study, 22 putative JmjC genes were iden-tified in moso bamboo, and were classified into four distinct subfamilies based on sequences similarity among Arabidopsis, rice and moso bamboo. Furthermore, an uneven distribution on chromosome and struc-ture feature of JmjC genes were discovered. All JmjC genes in moso bamboo contain a typical JmjC domain, and some of them also have other important functional domains. Additionally, cis-acting elements related to hormone, abiotic stress and light were found in the promoter region of JmjC genes. Several JmjC genes were regulated under abscisic acid (ABA) and methyl jasmonate (MeJA) treatment. Organ expression profiles of JmjC genes displayed that most of them were highly expressed in shoot, suggesting their important functions in moso bamboo fast growth. Overall, our study provided valuable information for understanding the evolu-tion of the moso bamboo JmjC gene family and will lay a foundation for future research on the function of the JmjC gene in moso bamboo. (c) 2023 SAAB. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.