Genome-wide identification of the auxin response factor (ARF) gene family and expression analysis of its role associated with pistil development in Japanese apricot (Prunus mume Sieb. et Zucc)

Auxin has been widely implicated in various aspects of plant growth and development, including flower development. In order to further elucidate the role of auxin during flower development, especially on the pistil development process, auxin response factors (ARFs), an important component in auxin signalling pathway, were studied in the early flower buds of Japanese apricot (Prunus mume Sieb. et Zucc). In this study, a comprehensive overview of the ARF gene family in Japanese apricot is presented, including the chromosomal locations, phylogenetic relationships, gene structures, the domain and nuclear localization analysis. Seventeen Japanese apricot genes that encode ARF proteins (PmARFs) have been identified based on the genome sequence of Japanese apricot. Comparison of the expression of some PmARF genes between perfect and imperfect flower buds in Japanese apricot suggests that PmARFs, especially the PmARF13 and PmARF17 gene may be required for pistil development and function in Japanese apricot. These results will be useful for future functional analyses of the ARF family genes in plants.