Genome-Wide Identification, Structural Analysis, and Expression Patterns of Tomato SRS Gene Family

Short internodes-related sequence (SRS) family genes are important regulators in multiple growth and development programs. However, the SRS gene family in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), an important model plant for investigating fleshy fruits, has not been whole-genome identified and analyzed, and our knowledge about their functions in abiotic stresses is still limited. Here, eight tomato SRS proteins were identified and assigned to three groups based on a phylogenetic tree. Gene structure and conserved protein motifs results exhibited that the same subfamily had similar introns/exon modes and motif compositions. There was a total of 33 cis-acting elements related to light response, plant hormone response, tissue-specific expression, and stress response found in the 2000 bp promoter regions of tomato SRS genes. Protein-protein interaction results showed that seven SlSRS proteins formed a complex protein interaction network. The results of expression patterns suggested that tomato SRS genes showed distinct differences in various tissues and organs. Furthermore, their expression patterns in response to diverse hormone and abiotic stress treatments were also studied by RT-qPCR technology. These results will provide meaningful information for further study of the biological functions of SRS family members and directing the tomato genetic breeding in the future.