Bioinformatics Analysis Of AP2/ERF Gene Family In Phalaenopsis Equestris

The AP2/ERF(APETALA2/ethylene-responsive element binding factor)family is a large group of plant-specific transcription factors which have close relationship with plant growth and stress responses.The Orchidaceae is one of the most largest and widely families of flowering plants,with about 28,000 species and 736 genera,and they show a wide diversity of epiphytic and terrestrial growth forms and have successfully colonized almost every habitat on earth.The draft genome of Phalaenopsis equestris provides abundant data to study the AP2/ERF family in orchid.Based on Phalaenopsis equestris genome data and using biological information means,107 AP2/ERF transcription factors were identified in P.equestris.According to the number of the AP2/ERF domain,the phylogenetical analysis,gene structures and functional conserved motifs,we divided 107 transcription factors of AP2 / ERF into four subfamilies(AP2,ERF,Rav and soloist),then divided 86 transcription factors of ERF subfamily into 10 subgroups.Global expression profiles among flower,leaf,stem and root tissues using high-throughput sequencing data displayed diverse expression patterns that may provide basic information in understanding the function of the AP2/ERF gene family in P.equestris.Results obtained from this study provide valuable information in understanding the mechanism of abiotic stress responses of the AP2/ERF family and overcoming challenges in cultivating orchid.