Comparative analysis of the SPL gene family in five Rosaceae species: Fragaria vesca, Malus domestica, Prunus persica, Rubus occidentalis, and Pyrus pyrifolia

Abstract SQUAMOSA promoter-binding protein-like (SPL) transcription factors are very important for the plant growth and development. Here 15 RoSPLs were identified in Rubus occidentalis. The conserved domains and motifs, phylogenetic relationships, posttranscriptional regulation, and physiological function of the 92 SPL family genes in Fragaria vesca, Malus domestica, Prunus persica, R. occidentalis, and Pyrus pyrifolia were analyzed. Sequence alignment and phylogenetic analysis showed the SPL proteins had sequence conservation, some FvSPLs could be lost or developed, and there was a closer relationship between M. domestica and P. pyrifolia, F. vesca and R. occidentalis, respectively. Genes with similar motifs clustering together in the same group had their functional redundancy. Based on the function of SPLs in Arabidopsis thaliana, these SPLs could be involved in vegetative transition from juvenile to adult, morphological change in the reproductive phase, anthocyanin biosynthesis, and defense stress. Forty-eight SPLs had complementary sequences of miR156, of which nine PrpSPLs in P. persica and eight RoSPLs in R. occidentalis as the potential targets of miR156 were reported for the first time, suggesting the conservative regulatory effects of miR156 and indicating the roles of miR156-SPL modules in plant growth, development, and defense response. It provides a basic understanding of SPLs in Rosaceae plants.